Madang men top qualifiers

MADANG Soccer Association is the men’s champion in the Mamose region Besta Cup qualifiers after defeating Lahi 3-1 in the grand final on Sunday afternoon at Laiwaden Oval.
In the women’s division, Lae Football Association retained the title after defeating sister association Lahi in the grand final.
Lahi will represent Mamose at the Besta National Cup in November in the women’s division, while MSA and Lahi will represent the region in the men’s competition.
Local organising committee chairman John Maripal praised and thanked the 32 teams who took part in the tournament.
“I’m pleased and happy with you all. I also thank our sponsors, who came onboard and supported the tournament,” Maripal said.
“Madang Governor Jim Kas donated K25,000 while Madang district MP and Minister for Petroleum and Energy Nixon Duban came onboard with K20,000. Sponsors like Mamose regional governors secretariat, Islands Petroleum, the Madang provincial Aids council, Sigma Construction, Madang Urban LLG and others also assisted,” he said.
Maripal said the teams performed well without any problems and enjoyed the spirit of unity through sports.
The tournament ended with MSA coming first followed by Lahi, Passam third and LFA on fourth place in the men’s division.
In the women’s division, Lahi won the champions’ title for the second time while LFA came second, Wau third and Wewak finished fourth.
Awards: Men’s golden glove – Gasong Banghang (MSA); Women’s golden glove – Nausai (Lahi); Best defender – Francis Yasasa, Lahi (m), Hagai, Lahi (f); Golden Boot – Neil Hans of MSA (m); Meagen Gunemba of LFA (f); Most Valuable Player – Rickey Wadunah, Malala (m), Youniche Wablasu, Wewak (f), Player of the tournament – Neville Winga, Bulolo (m), Youniche Wablasu, Wewak (f); Best midfielder Shasa Steven, LFA (f), Rickey Wadunah, Malala (m).