NCD PSSA, LFA clash in Besta FA Cup final

By HENRY MORABANG
SOUTHERN region champions NCD PSSA will enter the Besta FA Cup grand final as underdogs when they clash with a star-studded LFA side at the Lae Football Association Park tomorrow.
Both NCD PSSA and LFA disposed oftheir Highlands and New Guinea Islands opponents to meet in the grand final.
NCD men defeated Mt Hagen 2-1 in extra time while NCD women proved too strong for Wabag winning 3-1.
In Lae, LFA beat Bougainville 3-1 in the men’s category while LFA thumped Kimbe 3-1 in the women’s division.
The FA Cup was launched in June by International Food Corporation chief executive director Rosedean Zaily Dzulkfli to provide an avenue for untapped talents in rural areas.
These talents would be identified and developed to participate in higher level of competitions.
He said the tournament would be used as a stepping stone for players to push for spots in the Telikom National Soccer League challenge.
Except for Daniel Joe of the defunct CMSS Tigers and Roger Kareva of Hekari United, PSSA have no big name players. The bulk of the players are new to the soccer scene.
The only bonus for the team is former Westpac and PNG youth goalkeeper Paul Isaroua who played his way back into the representative scene.
NCD PSSA coach Mathew Witu believes the players he has are capable of upsetting their opponents.
LFA are filtered with NSL players in the Yanum brothers, Ian and Becken, Armstrong Peka, Goroba Tawa, Russel Nirik, Valentine Nelson and Sammy Hiob, who are expected to dominate.
In the women’s game, LFA will certainly use their Pacific Games players Fidelma Wapote (goalkeeper), defender Linah Honekeii, flanker Sandra Birum, Edna Thomas and striker Zeena Limbai to add the extra fire power.