Players, officials at risk in NSL match

 I WOULD like to bring to the attention of the sponsors and the organiSers of the National Soccer League few things that happened during the game between PKA Rapatona and Welgris Morobe United last weekend in Port Moresby.

I believe the welfare of the players and young children deployed as ball boys and girls around the field was put at risk during this match.

Firstly, there were no water bottles placed on the sides of the fields for the players and the children assisting during the game. 

Secondly, the timing of the match at 2pm was not right in such sheering temperatures (36-40 degrees). 

This match could have been scheduled for 3pm or later but the tournament organisers were either ignorant of the weather condition and simply couldn’t care less.

Spectator could tell from the players that fatigue came in to soon for the players and the level of the game did not rise to expected standards of the NSL  competition. 

It was obvious dehydration had great impact on the players’ stamina. 

It was a surprise no one had heat stroke in such horrendous heat conditions. 

Maybe in future such situations should be given exceptions were water breaks should be considered to safeguard players’ as well as health of those little children. 

It was unbelievable to see players continue to struggle in the very hot conditions without taking any water until the half-time break.

Kona Kik

Waigani, NCD