Facilities’ lockdown extended

The National Sports
Credit Corp Sparrows’ Kilala Owen in action against Paramana in the Port Moresby Netball Association competition at the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex last season. The venue is one of several PNG Sports Foundation facilities to remain on lockdown for the next two months in line with the Government’s extension on the nationwide state of emergency. – Sparrowspic
PNG Sports Foundation adhering to govt orders on state of emergency

THE Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) will continue to lockdown its facilities for the next two months after the Government extended the Covid-19 state of emergency, says an official.
The lockdown has forced the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) to extend the suspension of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League, which uses PNGSF facilities to run its competition.
PNGSF executive director Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the National Sports Institute (Goroka), Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium (Lae), Rita Flynn Courts and other facilities in Port Moresby would not be used until June.
He urged the federations that were using the facilities to make time available to strengthen their administration and that they should plan for shorter competitions if the ban was lifted in June.
“I encourage everyone to be vigilant in maintaining their hygiene,” Tsiamalili said.
PNGFA general secretary Dimirit Mileng told The National yesterday that the NSL would stand by PNGSF’s decision.
“We use PNGSF facilities for our activities so we have to respect the decision,” he said.
“The orders on the state of emergency have been disseminated among the public. We have to understand the nature of what is happening in the country.”
Meanwhile, after 10 rounds, newcomers Vitiaz United lead the country’s semi-professional competition with 25 points followed by defending champions Lae City, Hekari United (both on 23), Tsubab Stallions (17) and Gulf Komara.
Bougainville (11), Morobe Wawens (9), Star Mountain (8), Morobe United (7) and Kutubu (6) round out the bottom-five clubs in the 10-team competition.