Pala takes ICC lessons into Garamuts campaign

Cricket PNG Garamuts Head Coach Kila Pala has reflected on his recent ICC Level 3 Coaching Course in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after returning home and leading the U19 Garamuts to qualification for ICC EAP Division 1.

Pala travelled to Malaysia on August 16 for the intensive one-week programme, joining coaches from different cricketing nations, including former national coaches, two former Pakistan international players and a current Afghanistan Test player.

Following completion of the in-course component, Pala returned to PNG and joined the U19 Garamuts. The team travelled to Vanuatu to compete in the ICC EAP Division 2 Qualifier.

The Garamuts secured qualification for Division 1 on September 12.

The international coaching experience, followed by the Garamuts’ successful EAP campaign, adds to PNG’s continued investment in developing coaching capacity and strengthening the pathway for the country’s next generation of cricketers.

Reflecting on the course, Pala said his biggest takeaways were keeping players at the centre, the role of coaches in creating problems for players to solve, self-reflection and understanding everything involved in a High-Performance setup.

“The biggest takeout from the course for me was the players at the centre of focus.”

Pala said the experience was highly informative and he hopes to pass the knowledge gained on to PNG players and coaches.

His ICC Level 3 qualification is now entering its final stage, with a 12-week post-course project. Participants have been placed into groups and allocated a Master Tutor to guide them through the project.

Pala acknowledged Cricket PNG Board and Management, sponsors, High Performance staff and the media for their continued support.