Mt Hagen set to host H’lands regional meet

THE Melpa Soccer Association in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands province, will host the Highlands regional soccer championship on April 9-11.
Association president Robert Upaiga said teams from other highlands provinces had already expressed their interest in taking part in the event.
He said Porgera, Wabag, Tabubil, Kiunga, Hekari, Simbu, Goroka, Mendi and hosts Melpa would be participating in the tournament.
Upaiga added that any information regarding the staging of the tournament, team registration, accommodation and transport should be directed to the tournament director Augustine William.  William can be contacted on 7612-8377 or Upaiga on 7655-3995.
Highlands region senior vice-president James So-on commended Upaiga for his tireless efforts in organising the tournament.
In light of the current in-fighting in the country’s soccer fraternity, So-on appealed to all Highlands affiliates to unite and play for the betterment of the code and the players in the region.
He said the progress of soccer in the region had been affected due to the in-fighting at the top hierarchy.
He added that the staging of the tournament by Melpa would provide an avenue for discussion and deliberation on the development of football.