Governor Saonu joins with FFPNG to curb crime

The National Sports

By HENRY MORABANG
THERE is a major breakthrough in the heart land of soccer with Football Federation Papua New Guinea and Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu teaming up to use the game to curb law and order in rural districts.
FFPNG Northern coordinator Stanley Kahana met with Saonu and was excited with the governor’s ideas about using football to benefit rural youths.
Kahana said Morobe people sharing borders with Northern, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands and Madang were the most disadvantaged people and he wanted to use football to bring them out to the world.
Saonu was excited with FFPNG’s vision and the grassroots-driven programme to take football to the rural areas of the country.
He wants to use football as a development tool.
Kahana said Governor have indicated to field a Kabwum side in 2018 National Premier League (NPL) season which starts in November.
Other teams that are confirmed for the Northern Conference of NPL include champions Markham, Nawaeb, Lahi, LFA, Bulolo and Madang.
There has been overwhelming interest from further north. Madang has indicated fielding two teams, Madang Urban, Madang Rural.
East Sepik also expressed their interest to field a team.
Kahana will travel next week to Wewak to witness the launching of football associations wishing to affiliate with FFPNG for the next season.
FFPNG president John Kapi Natto welcomed Governor Saonu’s vision in using football as tool for development.
“This is a major breakthrough for FFPNG and we hope for similar arrangements from other regions as well,” he said.
Kapi Natto has commended Kahana for taking the lead in securing political support from the Morobe governor.
Similar interest was also received from the Southern Conference where coordinator Edward Mimino is working closely with teams in the region.
Robert Upaiga who coordinates the FFPNG Highlands Conference had a similar support from football playing centres in the region while FFPNG’s NGI coordinator Spencer Manahi is all set for a March kick off which would coincide with a visit by Hekari United FC to East New Britain.