Finschhafen not ready, president says

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
THE Finschhafen District of Morobe is in the process of setting its foundation to develop soccer and expects to be ready by 2020 to take part in the National Soccer League, an official says.
Former national player and president of Finschhafen District Soccer Association (FDSA) Ogeng Dengkeo thanked the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) president, John Kapi Natto for the NSL competition which will start this month. “It is a good initiative to create competition between the four regions,” Dengkeo said.
“It is also a good concept to develop young people and to ensure the youth are able to take part in sports and stay involved in positive activities.”
Dengkeo said any team that wanted to represent the district had to made of local players be connected to the FDSA.
“We want to form a good grassroots team that will represent the district in higher competitions.”
Ogeng was referring to a press release from the PNGFA onNSL bids, which was published on Monday (Dec 31).
Dengkeo was happy that other clubs which were part of recognised associations within the Northern Conference were ready.
He said Finschhafen was not ready. “We are still preparing, and we have a lot to do in the district before we go to higher competition.”
he called on the franchise that would represent the district to reconsider its involvement in the NSL, for the 2019 season at least, until they had done the ground work in tandem with the FDSA.
Dengkeo said the NSL board needed to ensure clubs had the backing of their local associations before allowing them to compete.
The FDSA was established last year to develop the best players in the district.
Teams from the district’s five local level governments will take part in the annual competition for U12, U17, and seniors.