NSL appoints first all-women group to control round-nine tie

By PARKER TAMBUA
IT was a significant moment for the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) when an all-female group of match officials controlled the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) round-nine match between Gulf Komara and Kutubu at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
According to assistant competition manager Micah Kaneng, it was the first time to have an all-female group of officials — referee Stephanie Minan, assistant referees Anna Pangai and Judith Gunemba, and fourth official Sylvia Larry — control a match in the country’s premier football competition.
Kaneng told The National yesterday that the competition was looking at empowering women in football.
“Women have been participating in the NSL as assistant referees but for an all-female group to control an NSL game is a first for us,” he said.
“The aim of getting female referees involved is to empower women in the game and also prepare them for the upcoming Women’s National Soccer League.
“I thought the four women did well.
“They handled the pressure and controlled the match. I’m impressed.”
Kaneng said the four women, who are qualified at the Oceania Football Confederation level, would be appointed to control more matches this season.
Minan said after the game that despite being under pressure on her NSL debut, she enjoyed refereeing the match.
“Being out there in a big game among the male players, who sometimes scream at you when they’re protesting, I felt the pressure but I enjoyed it,” Minan said.
“I thank PNGFA and the NSL board who gave us this opportunity.
“It’s good in terms of empowering women in football and I’d like to see more of this.”