By Charlie Dumvai
THE president of the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA), John Kapi Natto, will welcome the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, who will arrived in Papua New Guinea today (Sunday)at 12 pm. The visit, which is characterised by Infantino’s notable presence alongside Oceania Football Confederation President Lambert Matlock, is considered a significant milestone for the island nations.
Natto emphasised that this visit holds immense value beyond its symbolic representation. He lauded Infantino’s evident affinity for the islands, fondly referring to them as “Ocean eleven.” The president expressed gratitude for FIFA’s recognition of nations such as PNG, often overlooked or marginalised.
During his stay, Infantino is scheduled to visit the PNG Football stadium, engage in a football match against the PNG Kapuls legends, and unveil a monument erected at PNGFS in commemoration of his visit before his departure the following day.This visit by a FIFA president marks a momentous occasion, with the last such visit taking place 16 years ago. Gianni Infantino becomes the third president to set foot in the country after Joao Havelange in 1983 and Sepp Blatter in 2007.
President Infantino has also shown his intention to visit the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), which he fondly referred to as the “dream team”.In his address to the OFC’s 29th Ordinary Congress in Auckland, New Zealand, he hailed the transformative changes witnessed within the OFC in recent years, highlighting New Zealand’s role as co-host of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Club.Infantino’s visit aligns with the ongoing events surrounding the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, presenting an opportunity to engage with football-playing island countries across the Oceania Region.
Infantino’s pledge during the 19th ordinary Congress to visit all 11 OFC Member Associations is materializing as he embarks on his journey to Papua New Guinea, and subsequently to Solomon Islands, marking the conclusion of his Oceania tour.
The FIFA Presidential delegation, which accompanies Infantino, includes notable figures such as Mattias Grafstrom (FIFA Deputy Secretary General), Youri Djorkaeff (FIFA Senior Football Advisor), Houssine Kharja (FIFA Legend), Timothy Cahill (FIFA Legend), and more.
Among the esteemed attendees on the PNGFA’s tentative all-star (legend) list are John Kapi Natto, President of PNGFA, Gordon Manub (General Secretary), Dan Kakaraya (PNGFA legal adviser and Local Organizing Committee Chairman), and a host of celebrated football figures, including players from various clubs like Hekari United FC, Sobou FC, UNI FC, and more.
Infantino’s visit signifies not only a historic moment for the country but also a strong bond between football and cultural enrichment, leaving an indelible mark on Papua New Guinea’s sports landscape.
