Media key, NSL sides told

By PARKER TAMBUA
KUMUL Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) clubs should not avoid media interviews for players and coaches as there are no restrictions, says an official.
Competition coordinator Micah Kaneng told The National yesterday that the competition had a growing number of followers with support from corporate sponsors and that the feedback of players and coaches was vital in marketing the league.
Kaneng made this comment after he had received reports from media outlets that the management of NSL club Vitiaz United was restricting reporters from interviewing their players and coaching staff.
He said there was no such case in any football competition around the world and that it should not be happen in the country’s premier football competition.
“This is a semi-professional football competition and players and coaches should be accommodative in giving feedback when they’re approached by the media,” Kaneng said.
“The media play a vital role in promoting competitions and we the NSL and PNGFA don’t expect such restrictions on media by the management of football clubs in our competition.
“They should know that it is not only good for the competition but it’s good for their club as well because publicity gives them a positive image.
“The media also market players, and club managements should not do that.”
Kaneng said the NSL board has taken note of Vitiaz United’s approach and that they would put regulations in place to allow media press conferences for team captains and coaches after every fixture.
“When we resume the competition, we will be looking at organising media conferences after every match so that coaches and team captains can give feedback on their game,” he said.