Kapuls duo join Melbourne’s Bendigo City FC

PNG Kapuls duo Emmanuel Simon and Yagi Yasasa have arrived safely in Melbourne to join Bendigo City FC in the State 5 Victorian football league this season.

This move was made possible by former PNG forward George Slefendorfas, who said both players arrived in Melbourne and are set to go straight into training with their new club to play their trade in the National Premier League - tier-two competition.

Part Lithuanian and the former PNG representative Slefendorfas played for the men’s national soccer team in 2014 and he is currently residing in Brisbane, Australia.

Slefendorfas runs a player agent called Playerpin Management where they create pathways for young ambitious players who want to further their football career overseas.

Both the 2024 Southern Strikers skipper Simon and Hekari United powerhouse midfielder Yasasa were scooped through this platform by Slefendorfas.

“I know Emmanuel from the PNG National team when I was playing for them. Yagi, I met him when the PNG National team was playing and training in Brisbane,” Slefendorfas said.

He said he was fortunate to play 11 years of semi-professional league and is willing to his connection to provide opportunity for young Papua New Guineans to relish their dreams abroad.

“I want to give back and help those who are interested in challenging themselves,” he said.

Besides Australia, Slefendorfas has played in Sweden and New Zealand before retiring.

PNG Football Association is excited about the news stating that such opportunity would greatly help our PNG players broaden their experience at the international front.