AFL secures venues

AUSTRALIAN rules football can now move forward with developing the game in Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.
AFL PNG secured two ovals within the Bisini precinct – Colts Oval and the junior AFL field adjacent to the main Bisini soccer ground – through a lease agreement with the PNG Sports Foundation.
Present to sign the agreement were Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, PNG Sports Foundation chief executive officer Peter Tsiamalili Jr, AFL PNG chairman John Kali and manager Rex Leka.
“Its a brand new start for AFL PNG, one where we can work closer together in partnership, for the good of Aussie Rules going forward”, Tkatchenko said.
“As a government, we want to assist sporting codes take their game to the next level. The security of your own facility now enables you to concentrate on growing AFL, as well as your preparations for international competition.”
Kali thanked Tkatchenko and the National Government for their commitment to sports.
“Thank you for finally giving AFL a homeground. We have not had one for a long time but our patience has paid off,” Kali said.
He asked Tkatchenko to continue to back AFL as the PNG Mosquitoes  looked to defended the International Cup title they won two years ago.
Tsiamalili said the Bisini precinct hosted a range of sports and he would work closely with the codes to ensure all were catered for.
“Bisini has undergone significant changes over the past two years and all these developmets are for the benefit of the sports and athletes that use them.”