BY TONY IROGA
My journey into coaching and mentorship began not with a grand plan, but with a deep-seeded passion for the game and a desire to share what I had learned.
As a player, I was always drawn to understanding the “why” behind every drill, every strategy, and every decision on the field.
Meet Miss Rumona Morris, a former player of the Naha Women’s Football Club and now a coach.
In an interview with Island Sun on Saturday, she shared her story about her passion for football as a player and her transition from being a player to a coach mentor.
Miss Morris is from Manus province and Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea and is the only girl with 3 brothers in her family.
Interestingly, her dad is also a coach mentor.
“I thrived on the camaraderie, the discipline, and the constant pursuit of improvement,” she said.
Morris experienced the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, and in each instance, she sought to extract valuable lessons that would shape her not just as an athlete, but as a person.
“These formative years were crucial. They instilled in me a resilience, work ethic, and an understanding of teamwork that would later become the bedrock of my coaching philosophy,” she recalled.
She said the transition from being a player to a coach mentor was a natural evolution.
“After my playing career concluded, I found myself missing the competitive environment and the intellectual challenge of the sport.
“More importantly, I realised I had a wealth of experience and insights that I was eager to impart,” she said.
Morris said her initial coaching roles were often as an assistant, where she observed and learned from seasoned mentors.
“It was in these early interactions that I discovered the profound satisfaction of witnessing a player’s growth, not just in their technical skills, but in their confidence and character,” she explained.
She said becoming a head coach is her next goal and that being a mentor amplified this sense of purpose as it means taking on greater responsibility for strategy, player development, and team culture.
“The role of a mentor extends beyond the technical aspects of the game. It involves guiding young individuals through the complexities of adolescence, teaching them about leadership, accountability, and the importance of integrity,” she said.
Morris learned that effective coaching is as much about emotional intelligence and communication.
“Coaching requires empathy to understand a player’s struggles, patience to guide them through setbacks, and the ability to inspire them to reach their full potential,” she explained.
She said coaching is also about continuous learning, adapting to new challenges, and cherishing the opportunity to positively influence the lives of aspiring athletes and shaping them into not just better players, but better individuals.
“Dedication is the cornerstone of success in any field, especially in football.
“You must be willing to put in the extra hours, even when you don’t feel like it, because that’s where the real growth happens,” she explained.
She said football is a team sport, and no individual can win alone so one must learn to trust their teammates, communicate effectively, and play for the common goal.
“Discipline is equally vital. It means adhering to the coach’s instructions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and respecting the rules of the game,” she said.
She said never stop learning and growing as the game of football is constantly evolving and one should always be open to learning new strategies, improving skills, and adapting to different situations.
Morris said players should also seek advise from coaches and experienced players, and use it to become a better athlete and a more well-rounded person.
She said playing and coaching in soccer is crucial for the sport’s development and the individuals involved.
“Playing fosters physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and strategic thinking. Coaching, on the other hand, is vital for imparting knowledge, refining techniques, and instilling tactical understanding,” she said.
She highlighted that coaches guide players, develop training programs, and create a positive team environment thus, shape not only individual player growth but also the overall performance and spirit of the team.
Morris said the synergy between playing and coaching ensures the continuous evolution and popularisation of soccer, from the grassroots levels to professional leagues.
“I started playing soccer when I was 13 years old and my 1st debut was in 2010 representing PNG U15 for the World Youth Olympic games in Singapore and until now I am still involved in soccer as you can see,” she said.
Morris acknowledges the Naha Women’s Football Club (WFC) in the Solomon Islands and she extends her deepest gratitude for the invaluable experiences and opportunities they have provided to her throughout her journey as a player.
“The passion for football that thrives within the Solomon Islands is truly infectious, and I am honoured to have been a part of its vibrant soccer community,” she recalled.
As a player, I learned the true meaning of teamwork, resilience, and the joy of the beautiful game.
“The camaraderie and support I received from my teammates, team officials and coaches were instrumental in my development, shaping me into the player I became,” she said.
She said transitioning into a mentor role; she found immense fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of footballers.
“Witnessing their growth, dedication, and enthusiasm on the field has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.
She is thankful to Naha Football Club for the trust they placed in her to guide and inspire young athletes, and she hopes to contribute positively to their development and love for soccer.
“The memories created, the lessons learned, and the friendships forged within these clubs NAHA WFC will forever hold a special place in my heart,” she admitted.
She looks forward to participating in the upcoming Solrais Women’s Premier League in June this year.
Photo: Supplied
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