NSL organisers call for teams to meet deadline

The National Soccer League (NSL) is set to be played in all four regions of the country when the semi-professional competition kicks off on Jan 19.
But with the deadline for expressions of interest approaching (Dec 31), intending teams have three weeks left to submit their documents.
NSL manager Leslie Babaga said in a statement that any submissions after the closing date would not be accepted.
He said all documents must be accompanied with a receipt of K5000 (non-refundable) and payment must be made to the account detailed in the form.
Babaga said 12 teams in the Southern conference had expressed their interest, with only two submitting their documents and making payments.
He said the Northern conference had six interested teams, with one submitting its documents and paying the fee.
Three teams in the New Guinea Islands have expressed interest while the Highlands has five teams, with only one submitting its documents and paying the fee.
The teams that have expressed their interest are Southern Strikers FC, FC Momase, Hekari United FC, Central United FC, Central Coast Avala FC, Oro/MaClaren FC, Port Moresby Soccer Association, Sivitatana Soccer Association, PRK Eremas FC, Central Football Association, Kalibobo United FC, FC Bougainville (Southern Conference), Toti City FC, Madang FC, Morobe United FC, Besta PNG United FC, Snax Lahi FC, FC Morobe Wawens (Northern Conference), Wabag Soccer Association, Mendi Soccer Association, Apporo Mai United FC, Tabubil Soccer Association (Highlands), Kokopo Urban Football Association, Manus Soccer Association, Lihir Soccer Association (NGI).
The Southern and Northern conference will have a maximum of seven teams each, while NGI and Highlands will have six each.
According to the statement, teams will compete in their respective conferences and only the top two from each region will be drawn against each other in a home-and-away series, with the winners advancing to the finals.
“This format will depend on the confirmed number of teams submitting their expression of interest,” Babaga said.