Malaburgh Keen On Hockey Opportunity

Papua New Guinea’s emerging hockey talent, Steven Malaburgh, is grabbing every opportunity with hopes of securing his spot in the U21 Men's Hockey National team ahead of the qualifiers next year.

The 19-year-old from Chimbu and Central was named among a 45-man extended squad to prepare for the 2025 Oceania Junior World Cup qualifier to be hosted in Auckland, New Zealand, in January.

“I started playing hockey in 2022 when I was only 17 years old as a forward with the Slayors Hockey Club and drew a big interest in becoming a seasoned player," Malaburgh said.

Currently attending the Don Bosco Technical School as a grade 11 student, transitioning into the space of a goaltender (goalie), and had his first grand final appearance with the Blaze Hockey Club within Port Moresby Hockey Association’s competition.

He said before joining hockey, he played other codes such as AFL, rugby league, football, and basketball.

“I played other sports but since I started playing hockey, I called it quits and had to focus on one sport," he said.

“The feeling of playing on the hockey turf is very difficult because the turf’s always wet and slippery, but playing gives me joy.

"I’ve also learned to adapt and manage to handle the situation whenever I’m playing.”

Malaburgh dreams of representing his country, drawing inspiration from PNG’s home-grown NRL star like Justin Olam, and also PNG Hockey (Kwilas) goalkeeper, Yahee Kusunan.

“I draw inspiration from Yahee Kusunan within the code because of his performance on the turf. My goal is to represent my country one day on the international stage," Malaburgh revealed.

“My message to other young talented hockey players like me out there is to keep playing hockey, stay disciplined and committed; hard work beats talent."

Meanwhile, the U21 PNG Men's (Jnr Kwilas) continue their preparations with only two months left before the qualifiers in New Zealand.