Chung welcomes trophy

By ISAAC LIRI
THE arrival of the Fifa World Cup trophy in Port Moresby yesterday marked a significant time in the history of football in the country, says PNG Football Association president David Chung.
The Fifa senior vice-president was present to witness the unveiling of the trophy by Fifa ambassador Christian Karembeu in Port Moresby.
“It is a privilege to be selected as one of the 51 countries among the 201 countries that are recognised by Fifa,” Chung said.
“Although it is spending only a day in our land, it will inspire and motivate us to achieve our dreams to one day qualify for this prestigious World Cup.
“With the coming of the trophy we hope the people of PNG and the government would continue to support the development journey of football in our country.”
Chung acknowledged Coca-Cola for involving as sponsors of the Fifa World Cup since 1978 and Fifa for selecting PNG as a destination for the trophy tour.
“The trophy travelled for 152,000km among 91 cities in 51 countries and six continents,” Chung said.
Fifa ambassador Karembeu, who is a former French international, said he was honoured to unveil the trophy in front of the PNG government and PNGFA representatives.
“I am so honoured to see the trophy come to PNG, Solomon Islands and Tonga because these places are new and the people in these countries deserve it,” Karembeu said.
“The fans of this area in the Pacific deserve to have the trophy up close and to feel the experience and energy of the Fifa World Cup trophy.
“I remember as a kid growing up in this region, I dreamt about something and the dream came true when I went to Europe so we can give the opportunity to our children by this tour.
“I am very happy to come back to this region and share the excitement with the people of the Pacific,” said the New Caledonian who was part of the French team that won the trophy in 1998.