Maru to back sports

By BRADLEY MARIORI
YANGORU-SAUSSIA MP Richard Maru says his district development authority will focus more on supporting sports from this year.
He said that on Sunday when visiting two Yangoru-Saussia teams, from the Numbo local-level government area, which took part in the second Toti Cup football tournament in Lae.
The two teams, from the Sembo Sports Association, were valiant but unable to reach the knockouts.
“We will support a team from Yangoru-Saussia next year to return and compete in the tournament,” Maru said.
“I understand that this is your first time to compete in such a tournament which is great exposure for the team.
“We must have competitions back home and not just attend such tournaments.
“This is the start of a new beginning.”
Maru thanked the teams’ sponsor and Henimba Ltd managing director Andrias Hombo for using his own resources to host tournaments to select players for the Toti Cup.
“I’m excited about what Andrias has done,” he said.
“The players must go back to the district, help develop soccer and put in better performances when they return to compete in the Toti Cup.
“The district will come in a big way to support soccer and hopefully we can field a team in the (Kumul Petroleum) National Soccer League.
“We must have the dream and desire to move sports forward and look to the future.”
Hombo told the players to change their behaviour and be good ambassadors in order to continue receiving support for such tournaments. Sports will help address law and order issues, so the district can save money on policing,” he said.
“That is why I am willing to support sports and youths in the district.”