Football 7s kicks off

THE Football Federation Papua New Guinea 7s Soccer Championship kicks off today in Port Moresby and Lae.
The two-day soccer tournament is supported by the Minerals Resources Development Company (MRDC) and Coca-Cola.
The Northern Conference is set to go, with FFPNG president John Kapi Natto saying games will take place at the home of football, the Lae Football Association Park.
FFPNG Northern Conference coordinator Haiveta Kivia said 24 teams expressed their interest, including teams from Situm, Finschafen and Madang.
The Finschhafen team will be coached by former PNG midfielder Ogeng Dangkeo, while Nabasa FC will be led by Gari Moka and Godfrey Baniau.
Former Morobe United strongmen led Eliud Fugre, Sammy Hiob and Immanuel Yawi will lead Unitech, while LFA champions City United and Courts FC from Goroka are also part of the competition.
Lahi United and their Under-23s add to the total, with the Daino Sami and Gidix Nasa-coached Tifa FC.
Four women’s teams will compete: Bara FC, Wantoks FC, Prima Power and Morobe United FC.
Southern Conference coordinator Paul Isorua anticipates a good turnout at Bisini Soccer Ground today. Teams will assemble at Bisini for the opening before crossing over to the PNG Football Stadium at Waigani for the closing ceremony.
Kapi Natto said the 7s competition would be the launching pad for bigger teams under the FFPNG calendar of events which include the National Premier League (NPL) and FFPNG Cup.