THE Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited sponsored Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) men’s National Soccer League (NSL) has officially launched its 2021 season.
This is the 16th season since the establishment of PNGFA NSL in 2005.
PNGFA president John Kapi Natto said since the establishment there have been many challenges however there is now a new look PNGFA.
“As I speak tonight there is already a new look in PNGFA. The team comprise of professional people who have been working tirelessly to ensure that men’s NSL and other competition must be transformed into a professional outcome rather than years of doing the things the same way.
“It is very unfortunate that our league will be playing in two conferences which will be the Northern and the Southern due to Covid-19 restrictions,” said Kapi Natto.
He further thanked the KPHL sponsorship and congratulated the 14 franchise teams which will be competing in this year’s seasons and welcomed the new teams on board for an exciting year of football.
The new comers in the 16th NSL competition include Central Dabaris FC, Sepik FC, Southern youth and Northern youth development teams. Other teams that are making their return into the NSL are Lae City Dwellers, Tavur FC and the Southern Strikers.
PNGFA is looking at developing footballers that will take this country to world cup, expressed Kapi Natto.
“PNGFA will be providing a documented collective vision with a firm partnership and a well-defined strategic plan that will take us to world cup someday,” Kapi Natto said.
Minister for Higher education Science and Technology and Sports Wesley Raminai said the PNG government is ready to assist PNGFA in whatever ways they can to move forward even to the world cup.
He said the National Executive Council has already approved a sports policy that is generally to revive sports in the country. The policy will be used from this year onwards.
“We need to have vision and focus on what we are going to achieve in the next five years’ time. We need to invest into school sports to the kids and the youth. The government is always here to support,” Raminai said.
The launching night was glamorous with all 14 team captains showcasing their 2021 season colours to compete and claim the KPHL NSL trophy. The trophy was returned by the defending champions- the Lae City Dwellers to PNGFA. The launching ended with the lighting of fireworks.