Local firm commits to support Mendi soccer for five years

THE struggling Mendi Soccer Association (MSA) in Southern Highlands has secured a major sponsorship for the next five years.
Local firm, the PNG Constructions (PNGC) Ltd, yesterday stepped into support the association.
The company will be sponsoring the association for the next five years.
Association president Francis Ank said the association had struggled without financial support or sponsorship from the government or business houses since its inception in the 1970s.
Ank said the government and businesses organisations had given their support, sponsorship and attention to rugby league while soccer was left out over the years.
He said despite the lack of sponsorship, the association under successive administrations kept on operating to keep the code alive in the province.
He added that under his administration this year, they were able to secure the sponsorship from PNG Constructions Ltd for the next five years.
Ank, who was voted into office last year, thanked PNG Constructions Ltd for coming to their aid.
He said the first lot of sponsorship included two shields worth K2,000 which would be presented to grand final winners of both men’s and women’s premier divisions at the end of next month.
Twelve clubs with two divisions are taking this season.
He said the firm had also sponsored several other trophies for awards and individuals while the two shields to be called PNG Construction Shield would be contested for the five years.
PNGC managing director Willie Ongluo said the company decided to support soccer because there was a need for a steady sponsorship.
He said the company apart from its main objective of making profit was also committed to its social and community obligations.
He added the company was supporting sports because it wanted to pave the way for the youths of Mendi to play sports and abstain from all forms of social problems and lawlessness.
Ongluo said PNGC had also supported rugby league in the province and was currently sponsoring the Mendi Royals club to participate in the Mendi rugby league competition this season.
He added that while the company and the officials were yet to finalise the full sponsorship package, PNGC would supply trophies, shields, uniforms, cash prizes and other packages for the association in the next five years.