Bougainville ready to take part in NSL, spread hope

NATIONAL Soccer League newcomers FC Bougainville are aiming to use their team as a tool for peace in the autonomous region, says coach David Passam.
Passam said their club would promote peace during NSL New Guinea Islands fixtures as the province headed for a referendum on independence later this year.
“The club plans on using football as a vehicle to drive this worthy cause,” Passam said. “FC Bougainville is a team for Bougainvilleans and Papua New Guineans and we want to be a club that leads the way.
“There are plans to have some games back in Bougainville as well but we will have to wait and see, as it will depend on our sponsors.”
The majority of Bougainville’s 30-man squad are drawn from the Port Moresby Soccer Association champion club Mungkas FC, some from University Inter FC while four were recruited from Bougainville.
“Most of the Port Moresby-based players have NSL experience and that is key for us.
“We have guys like Basil Jofari, Edwin Taberia, Luke Kaprangi Jr and Patrick Aisa who have all played at this level,” Passam said.
“We’re glad that we’ve secured Patrick (Aisa), he was in New Zealand last year, he is a PNG international and it’s a bonus for us to have him on board.
“We also have four players scouted from the local Bougainville competition. This is new territory for us and we hope to create a pathway for young players.”
FC Bougainville beat Port Moresby FC 3-1 in a trial last week and face the Eastern Star in another trial at Bava Park at 3pm on Saturday.