Field condition costs Lae

By JELILAH KUM
LAE’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium will not host any Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League finals match this season due to the playing surface’s poor condition, says an official.
At the resumption of the competition after the coronavirus-induced hiatus, NSL matches have only been played in Lae and Port Moresby – leaving out Goroka and Madang.
But organisers have now confirmed that only Port Moresby’s Papua New Guinea Football Stadium will host the finals of the country’s premier football competition.
Saturday’s semifinals will see reigning champions Lae City play Gulf Komara (1pm kick-off) and Hekari United face Vitiaz United (4pm).
Competition manager Dimirit Mileng said: “Even though the crowds are bigger in Lae, the playing surface is not good for the finals.
“Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium will not be able to cater for many people, given the Covid-19 measure of social distancing.
“But fans in Lae and the rest of PNG can still watch the semifinals and grand final on EMTV as it will broadcast the games live.”
Saturday saw the return of crowds to Port Moresby matches after the organisers received approval from the national pandemic control.
The prices for tickets are K10 (outer stands) and K15 (grand stand).
Mileng urged the public to buy tickets only from the booths outside the stadium.