By JOEL K ANDREW
SPORTS Minister Don Polye says Papua New Guinea can become a more soccer-orientated country.
He said this yesterday while announcing the PNG Kapuls men’s team to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup challenge.
The PNG Kapuls will be participating in the MSG soccer tournament as defending premiers after winning the trophy last year in Vanuatu.
The MSG Cup will be staged in New Caledonia from October 8-15 as the Kapuls team make their final preparations to leave for the tournament.
Minister Polye congratulated the men for making the final squad and emphasised the relevance of PNG’s participation in soccer and the development of the sporting code in the country.
“Undeniably, soccer is a universal sport and I urge us all to embrace the significance of this sport throughout the country,” he said.
Polye said Papua New Guinea can be made more soccer-orientated country as the country drives forward development agendas in sports.
“The benefits of the sport itself will be a milestone for our players, as its physical requirements are well met by our young players in the country, who need more exposure, mentoring, development pathways and support, with good governance in the sport,” he said.
“We hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino in PNG this years.
“FIFA has more nations in the world affiliated to the sport and so it is a global movement.”
Polye said facilities like the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka were given to FIFA to cultivate PNG’s aspiring soccer players.
He said the Sports Ministry will collaborate with FIFA, through the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) to elevate football development in-country.
Meanwhile, Minister Polye urged PNGFA president John Kapi Natto and PNG Sports Foundation CEO Albert Veratau to provide good governance, accountability, transparency and effective leadership in coordination to drive football development.
