Football for all, says Kapi Natto

Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) president John Kapi Natto, pictured, says he is committed to making soccer inclusive in the country.
At the launch of a new National Soccer League (NSL) franchise bid — Central United FC — in Port Moresby over the weekend, Kapi Natto said it was in his plan and vision to bring soccer down to the grassroots level.
“In the past, we have seen soccer only managed and played in places like Port Moresby, Lae and Madang,” Kapi Natto said.
“Now we want to move the sport into other smaller areas like up in the Highlands, New Guinea Islands and centres such as Wewak, Alotau, Tabubil and Kokopo where I understand there is a lot of interest.
“This is the same message I got from Fifa.
“They want football to be inclusive, regardless of our status.”
Kapi Natto said he was determined to make soccer popular and bring NSL to the next level in the country.
“Fifa is prepared to assign technical experts in the area of marketing early next year to help PNGFA in its plans to introduce a professional league so that we can improve our standards and try to be competitive not only in Oceania but also in other parts of the world like Asia,” Kapi Natto said.
In order to make that happen, Kapi Natto called for more corporate and government backing, as this would set the scene for PNG to vie for a place should there be an increase in the number of qualifiers from 36 to 48 at the 2020 Qatar World Cup or in 2026.
“Soon I will be signing a memorandum of understanding with several governors, as I look to our political and business leaders to take ownership in supporting the game by way of providing infrastructure and promoting football in their respective towns and centre.”