Central team bid to return to National Soccer League

By ROBINSON LEKA
CENTRAL United announced their bid to return to the National Soccer League (NSL) last week with the club set to return under the banner of the provincial government as Central Dabaris FC.
Club general manager Kamo Kini told The National that the change in name came after their bid received the backing of the Central government which was later accepted by the PNG Football Association (PNGFA).
“Formalities are now on foot to eventually change the franchise football team name to Central Dabari FC upon the success of the bid which was welcomed by PNGFA following the interest shown by Central provincial government to support a team representing the province,” he said.
“Central United FC’s bid was made possible with the generous support of Central Governor Robert Agarobe.
“The team’s initiative to promote the province in football’s elite competition has been endorsed and has the backing of Governor Agarobe and the Central provincial administration.”
Meanwhile, club president Maino Kwalimu is confident the bid will be considered for a spot in this season of the NSL.
“Since our EOI has already been submitted, we are confident that our bid will be given fair consideration and hope for the best as this is the only team from Central,” he said.
Kwalimu said the club was set to stage selection trials starting on this weekend with a train-on side to be announced later.
Central United was formally established in 2018 and participated in the 2019 season and finished fifth in the Southern conference. United however missed out on returning to the NSL for the 2019–2020 season.