Players shift

THERE is likely to be a mass exodus or transfer of players between franchise clubs when the two-week National Soccer League (NSL) window transfer starts next week.
A sneak preview at various training camps this week had indicated that some franchises would lose their top players to other clubs if Hugo Kamba (Hekari United), Richard Pono (University Inter FC) and Michael Vincent Jr (Maclaren) were any indication of such movements.
In yesterday’s training session at the Lloyd Robson oval, Hekari United reject Kamba and Vincent Jr were seen training with the CMSS Tigers FC.
CMSS Tigers franchise owner Jimmy Kim, who attended his first training session with the boys, said he was pleased with the attitude of the three players.
“I am hoping Pono will join two other players to make it more competitive in the remaining NSL season,” he said.
Kamba and Pono are brilliant backliners while Vincent is as cool as ice in the midfield who can get the opposition defence at times.
Vincent Jrwill join Ken Gule, Ian Yanum and Kavoi Mante in the midfield.
PNGFA president David Chung last night confirmed that the window transfer will run for two weeks.
He said any clubs wishing to involve themselves in the transfer of any of their players should inform the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) before they could sign or release their players.
It was decided at the PNGFA executive meeting yesterday.
Chung, who was on his way to Lae last night, told The National that each franchise was only allowed to sign five overseas-based players.
“The NSL competition is a semi-professional league and would like to involve many elite Papua New Guinea players than overseas-based players,” he said.
It is understood that only four franchises – Hekari United, Gelle Hills and Eastern Stars and Unitech FC – had signed overseas-based players.
Other clubs are relying local players which had proven successful in their respective campaigns since the start of the NSL challenge.
The appointment of coaches for the national men’s, women’s and the U15 side were also discussed.