Central team up for NSL

CENTRAL United FC (CUFC), the new National Soccer League hopeful gunning for a spot in the final eight-team Southern Conference leg, staged a three-day sevens tournament at Kaparoko Village — the home of Koupa Soccer Association (KSA) on the Rigo coast, Central, last week.
The tournament was the initiative of Koupa president Morea Vavine, who is also co-founder of Central United.
Eight teams participated as part of the Christmas celebrations in this picturesque seaside community as part of their selections and NSL trainings.
As a traditional soccer playing community from that part of the province, the village has produced talented footballers like Hekari United greats Kema Jack (now retired) and current player Leslie Kalai. Soccer fans were on hand to cheer on their favorite teams as the tournament progressed and ended successfully.
Morea said this was an opportunity to feature CUFC players as they prepare for a tough debut season, which will see the re-entry of Hekari and Eastern Stars as well as others including Gulf Erema and Southern Strikers among others.
“I am grateful that our boys had a good hit out against the local teams which proved very beneficial, especially getting their combinations right and team bonding,” Vavine said.
“Our people from Central have high expectations of the club and that will only motivate us to get better in the coming weeks as the boys give a good account of themselves.
“We are not there just to make up the numbers but to strive for the best and make Central people proud,” Vavine said.
Vavine and his franchise partner Kamo Kini both called on the Central people to stand behind the team in its debut year.
“We already have a NSL team in place and we would like to work with anyone who is passionate about the game to build Central United into a respectable competitor,” Kini said.
Central United FC team one and two ended up topping each of their respective pools while Dancewin and the Kema Jack-led side All Stars finished third and fourth.
At the conclusion of the tournament Central United were given a trial by a Koupa select-side led by Jack. Central United are expected to play Hekari in Port Moresby next week.