Cup visit reminds followers to unite, says Raminai

THE historical visit of the Fifa World Cup trophy to PNG should remind football followers in PNG to walk in unity and strengthen the foundation of the sport, Vice-Minister for Sports Wesley Raminai says.
“Those who are familiar with the sport in the country are well aware of the fact that over last year and a half there has been a split in football with two factions working in isolation,” Raminai said in his keynote speech representing the PNG government yesterday.
The factions are PNG Football Association recognised by Fifa and the domestically-run Football Federation of PNG
“This has been challenging times especially for the players and the passionate supporters who love this great game.
“While the government does not interfere with the different football organisations as they are guided by their own constitutions, it is right that as leaders of this country, we don’t ignore circumstances that threaten the unity of our people in sports.
“The Ministry of Sports has been having regular meetings with the two different parties (PNGFA and FFPNG) to resolve the division and I am glad to say that we are reaching a way forward for unification.
“This historical trophy tour should remind us to walk in unity and strengthen the foundation of the sport as we aim to qualify for the World Cup in the future.
“Our Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the Government of Papua New Guinea are truly proud and honoured to take centre stage as our country hosts the trophy for a day.
“The trophy tour is a result of our successful hosting of the 2016 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
“Our country is small compared to the world’s top football nations but we must continue to work extremely hard to develop the game so that one day we can qualify for the World Cup in the future, it will be a distant road but we have to work harder together.”
Raminai acknowledged Fifa and Coca-Cola for making it possible for the trophy to visit PNG for the first time.