Popondetta’s Uduru staying in touch, eyeing world cup opportunity

By JAMIE HARO
ANOTHER Touch footy talent from Popondetta is determined for an opportunity to play for Papua New Guinea at July’s World Cup.
Representing Popondetta Touch Association, 28-year-old Joseph Uduru said it would be a dream come true to reach the milestone.
“I grew up most of my life in Popondetta so my touch footy background started from there with the junior divisions in 2007,” he said.
“I was fortunate to have represented PTA at the 2018 National Touch Championships that was hosted here in Port Moresby and from there I got selected into the 2019 World Cup extended squad for Malaysia.
“Unfortunately I didn’t make the cut but that didn’t stop me from continuing to play.”
Uduru, of Popondetta and Western heritage, along with brothers David and Jason Arua, are prepared to take their opportunity to represent PNG.
“I knew another opportunity would come up if I gave my all at the 2023 NTC we hosted.”
Uduru was part of Team Popondetta which made the finals and defeated Corporate Touch Port Moresby (CTPM) to claim the open mixed title but went down to CTPM in the open men’s final.
“I was privileged to have made it into the trials then to the 20-man extended squad for the 2023 Pacific Games that were going to compete in Solomon Islands.
“I missed out on the final 14 but that did not discouraged me, I just had to go back home and work on my progress.”
“Been called back into training for this year’s World Cup is like finally I am finally about to achieve my goal that I have been wanting to accomplish since my first call up.”
He has been named in the Open Mixed squad currently preparing.