Moresby AFL suspends pre-season over coronavirus

By ROBINSON LEKA
Port Moresby AFL (POMAFL) has joined other sporting bodies in suspending their competitions and activities for a month amid the coronavirus pandemic.
POMAFL president Douglas Lai told The National that the suspension was necessary to comply with the precautionary measures taken by the Government and Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF).
“Our pre-season was scheduled to start on March 28 but will not go ahead after the suspension by PNGSF,” he said.
“We are seeking a meeting with the PNG AFL Commission soon to discuss a suitable time to start the competition.
“We are looking at whether to start with the pre-season or go straight into the season.
“The suspension is for a month and we are hopeful to start straight after that with no further extension.
“It’s an issue of national importance and any restrictions by the relevant authorities should be complied with and fingers crossed that we will start straight after a month.”
POMAFL is one of six sports (lawn bowls, cricket, rugby union, rugby league and softball) located along within the Bisini sports precinct that have stopped their games for a month due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, other sports in the National Capital District have also suspended their competitions and are awaiting directives from the PNGSF along with the relevant authorities on when it will be safe to resume their matches and programmes.