By CHARLIE DUMAVI
PAPUA New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) competition manager was impressed with Lae’s football fans and is considering hosting a grand final match in Lae in the near future.
Mr. Ahmjad Tekwie was amazed with the turnout of football fans in Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium last weekend to watch the Oceania Football Confederation Championship (O-League) national playoff between Lae city FC and Hekari United.
He said he always heard stories of the fans and the love of the game shared in the area and he is glad to see it with his eyes for the first time last Saturday February 12, 2023 and wants to host a grand final there.
He said he will be happy to consider hosting a grand-final when seeing WNSL (Women’s National Soccer League) and NPL (National Premier League) bring out spectators in numbers to support the game.
“If they (spectators) can turn up and continue to behave in the manner they did, they deserve to host a grand final because they can come out (in numbers) and support. Whereas in Moresby, we still have some work to do in regards to the supporters,” Tekwie said.
He added that “I just want to thank the supporters in Lae.”
He said the football showdown in Lae did not go in favour of the host Lae city FC, however it was the game that woke up the long asleep Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium.
“The stadium last hosted the 2019 grand final between Besta United FC and Lae City FC and it is great to see football lovers throwing their support behind their team and the code as a whole.”
Mr. Tekwie also acknowledge the security personals for the security provided during the event and is looking forward to return to Lae to host a grand final soon.
