NGI Cup sees poor turnout

Sports

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Papua New Guinea Football Association’s (PNGFA) New Guinea Islands Besta Cup has received criticism over the lack of participation from fellow regional associations.
A poor turnout of member associations during the regional leg in Arawa has seen only one association from Lihir, New Ireland, in attendance.
Football fans in Arawa and Bougainville were disappointed with the lack of teams from other provinces not participating despite continuous and support and involvement from the host province in the region.
Competitions manager Simon Koima, who was in Arawa over the weekend, said teams failed to show up despite PNGFA notifying member associations in the region.
“Fans (in Bougainville) have the right to comment, however, I cannot speak for other provinces within NGI”, he told The National.
“I do know that all (associations) were given a year’s notice for them to prepare as team Bougainville has always travelled out to other provinces to participate.
“It is disappointing.
“But I do hope they can make it to Bougainville again in 2020.”
Meanwhile, PNGFA general secretary Dimirit Mileng confirmed that invitations were sent to all the member associations in the region.
He said member associations were responsible were responsible to prepare their teams for the tournament.