Hela want NSL spot

 By HENRY MORABANG

HELA Wigmen want to field a side in the semi-professional football competition, the Telikom National Soccer League, this season. 

Backed by Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru and some respected Hela citizens, the Hela Wigmen FC want to realise their dream and follow the success of neighbours Hekari United FC from Southern Highlands.

Wigmen FC chairman Robert Tia said his team would be based at the Dauli Teachers College in Tari and would fly in for its NSL matches in Port Moresby and Lae.

The ground work for the bid process has been laid down and everything depends on whether they can convince the Telikom NSL board to be included.

Tia said yesterday that they were hoping to play this season.

“We want to give local Tari youths a chance to play soccer apart from rugby league which is based in Port Moresby,” Tia said.

“We have written to several prominent Hela individuals including Tari-Pori MP James Marape, John Kekeno (Komo-Margarima) and the Hela Transitional Authority’s William Bando for support,” he said.

Wigmen are one of eight teams which have shown interest. 

Others are returning teams Hekari (premiers), Eastern Star, Besta United, Petro Souths and Tukoko Lae University while new teams Bulolo FC, Tufi FC and Morobe United are also interested in playing.

Bulolo is supported by the Wau Soccer Association while Morobe is backed by Tokey Mambare of the Lae Football Association.

Gigira Laitepo and Madang Fox have yet to confirm their interest.

In the women’s NSL competition, champions Bara and University (runner-ups) have until close of business today to submit their expression of interest.

WNSL coordinator Simon Koima said he was surprised that the two grand finalists had not done so already. 

Koima said Wau was the only association registered from Lae while Poro and Lae Central were yet to make known their intentions.

Those wishing to get last minute information should contact Koima on 76812691.

Attempts to contact NSL chairman John Kapi Natto were unsuccessful. 

But NSL business development manager Chris Brown said the PNGFA and NSL board would confirm everything this month.