Bougainville backs Kapi Natto

BOUGAINVILLE Football Federation (BFF) wants to see changes in leadership in PNG Football Association to ensure service delivery to the rural soccer populace.
Justin Helele, who hosted Hekari Football Association and PNGFA presidential candidate John Kapi Natto during the two-day soccer selection trials in Arawa, said his federation was promised millions of kina for football programmes but nothing has eventuated.
“BBF has been a loyal supporter of current PNGFA administration for the past 12 years, and now it is time for change,” he said.
Kapi Natto, who was on a familiarisation tour, said he was pleased to visit the region where soccer is widely played in rural areas.
Helele said BFF was the largest football federation in the country with over 27 local associations joining from four areas on the island – Buka Atolls, North Bougainville, Central Bougainville and South Bougainville.
He said he was pleased with Kapi Natto for accepting his invitation to visit region, especially Arawa where the selection trials were held.
Helele and his executives presented Kapi Natto traditional shell money as sign of commitment to supporting him in the race for PNGFA president.
Kapi Natto said it was his dream to visit Bougainville.
“I have heard a lot of good football stories from here in Bougainville especially Arawa where a lot of former international players have come from,” he said.
Kapi Natto’s passion for football started as a young player starting in Kavieng, New Ireland, when his father, the late Kapi Natto (Snr) was a correctional institution officer.
Though he played rugby union, Kapi Natto switched to football to fulfil his father’s wishes to lead a semi-professional club.
Kapi Natto said football potential in Bougainville was huge and required good management and support from people in high places in football.
His visit was accompanied by PNG Kapuls and Hekari United captain David Muta to Arawa to help promote the code.
“Muta’s presence in Arawa was a boost for football, especially his club, Hekari United FC,” he said.
Muta also spoke to players on how to become good football players.
He stressed on discipline, commitment and importantly, to put God first in their lives in whatever they did whether it was work or playing football.