By GABRIEL KATUHO
WITH strong support from the provincial government, Manus province has brought in a team to participate in the 2024 Premier Soccer League (PSL).
After the Launching of the 2024 PSL season yesterday at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, team captain for Admiralty Islands FC, Nigel Yohang shared the insight of the team.
Mr Yohang said the provincial government has supported the team to ensure the team enters the 2024 PSL season.
“Even we were out of the league for so long, the provincial government knew that the future of the province lies in the youths and so it has come forward to back the team,” he said.
Yohang said soccer competition in the province has been confined at village level, however, through the provincial government’s support they have the provincial team ready to enter the Premier League competition to showcase their local talent.
Team manager Torrie Popot acknowledged the President of Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA), Mr John Kapi Natto for accepting the team to take part in the 2024 PSL.
“I want to also thank Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, for his development pathway initiative in developing and supporting sports in the province,” he said.
Popot said Governor Benjamin has committed K1million in helping the team to register for the competition.
He spoke highly of the Governor’s support in making sure soccer competitions in the province is active and running so that the franchise can scout players from the local competitions in the province.
“I want to thank the good governor for the initiative in putting in place the player development program and supporting local competitions in the province.
“This is one way that will reduce crime rates as the youths will be kept occupied in playing sports,” Popot said.
Admiralty Islands Football Club is the only club in the New Guinea Island region to take part in the 2024 Premier Soccer League.
The club will be based in Lae and compete in the Premier league while awaiting their facilities being upgraded.
Popot said that the team is looking at putting up a strong competition and aims at making to the top four in the competition.
The 2024 Premer Soccer League (PSL) season is scheduled to kick off this weekend in Lae and Port Moresby respectively.
Admiralty Islands football club is one of the eight participating clubs that will be showcasing their talents in the 2024 PSL competition.
