Deferred NSL matches get nod

The National Soccer League (NSL) finals have been delayed to allow for deferred matches to be played this weekend after the Southern Strikers paid their affiliation fee in full.
Of the 12 deferred matches, only three were given the green light because they involved clubs who had paid their affiliation fee of K80,000.
The clubs that paid their fee are Toti City FC, FC Morobe Wawens, Besta PNG United, Madang FC and the Strikers.
The two teams that did not fully comply with NSL’s requirements are FC Momase and Buang FC.
A statement sent by NSL last week excluded the Strikers, but the club’s compliance have allowed them to play their deferred matches.
NSL manager Leslie Babaga said the other deferred matches would be forfeited, with the points going to five other clubs.
With the changes, the NSL management rescheduled the semifinals to May 20 and the grand final to May 26.
“NSL decided to play the semi-final on the May 20 to give enough time for the teams playing their washout matches to prepare well for the semifinals,” Babaga said.
Meanwhile, Strikers coach Margaret Aka said her players had been training hard and were looking forward to play their deferred matches.
“We have been training hard and I think if we can win all our matches, we can sneak into the top four,” Aka said.
“I think that’s an opportunity for us and the boys really want to play.”
Fixtures for deferred matches: Sat, May 12 – Southern Strikers v Besta PNG United; Tue, May 15 – Southern Strikers v FC Morobe Wawens; Thurs, May 17 – Southern Strikers v Besta PNG United.
Standings: Toti City FC (32), FC Morobe Wawens (21), Madang FC (20), Besta PNG United (18), Southern Strikers (11).