Investment pays off

 By HENRY MORABANG
A NATIONAL development firm had a quiet celebration following the success of the Papua New Guinea Kapuls in OFC Nations Cup.
Mineral Resources Development Company, who has successfully met its social obligation by supporting sports in the country, can be proud of the success of soccer through the Kapuls and the four-time gold medallists, the PNG women’s soccer team.
Managing director Augustine Mano said success was not built overnight.
Mano congratulated the PNG Kapuls for achieving the milestone of a grand final appearance at OFC Nations Cup after supporting premier club, Hekari United.
The bulk of the players in the PNG men’s team came through Hekari’s ranks after serving their apprenticeship with the development team, Besta United.
MRDC is associated with Hekari through its subsidiary, Petroluem Resources Kutubu, which has been supporting the club for the past 11 years.
Mano said: “Just imagine — the amount of money the Government injects into rugby league is also given to football in the country.
“Football is certainly going to progress in leaps and bounds.”
The resource developer has supported Hekari over the years the club has taken part in football tournaments.
The highlight of the MRDC success was Hekari’s World Cup campaign in 2010.
“We are now reaping the fruits of our investment through the PNG men’s and women’s teams’ success on the international front,” Mano said.
Hekari franchise owner John Kapi Natto acknowledged the support from the resource firm over the years.
“Their investment in football has seen the results in OFC Nations Cup and last year’s Pacific Games, where PNG won gold medal — the fourth in a row.” He thanked MRDC and its board for supporting Hekari for producing the bulk of the players in the national men’s soccer team.
“The firm’s backing has guided players to become good footballers through commitment to training — which in itself is of a high standard — and discipline. These are the pillars of success,” Kapi Natto said.