Mamose, Southern legs decided

By ISAAC LIRI
The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has completed two of its Besta FA Cup qualifiers, the Mamose and Southern legs.
Earlier this month, when Madang hosted the Mamose leg, winners Almami and runners-up Morobe Football Association qualified for the men’s division.
For the women’s division, Morobe Football Association matched their men’s team in booking a spot.
In the recent Southern leg at the Bisini Soccer Grounds in Port Moresby, Central teams dominated, with Hoods one and Kamali qualifying for the FA Cup to be held in Lae in September.
Hoods One beat Kamali 4-2 in the grand final.
In the women’s division, Port Moresby Soccer Association booked a spot to travel to the Morobe capital.
The remaining Besta FA Cup qualifiers yet to be played are the New Guinea Islands leg to be held in Kimbe this weekend and the Highlands leg to be held in Kundiawa the following week.
PNGFA acting president John Wesley Gonjuan said he was pleased with the progress of the qualifiers.
“We wanted all the four Besta FA Cup qualifiers to be held in July and August to give enough time for the qualifying teams to prepare for the main tournament,” Gonjuan said.
“For the women’s division, they will also come up with a side for their respective regions to take part in the women’s regional tournament in October.
“The aim of the women’s regional tournament is to prepare PNGFA to start a national soccer league competition for women.”
Gonjuan said the recent Southern leg qualifiers only featured teams from the National Capital District and Central.
He said there was indication from Popondetta (Northern), Tabubil (Western) and Kerema (Gulf), but none took part due to financial constraints.