PNGFA plans to start competitions early next year

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea Football Association is planning to kick off its competitions as early as February, according to general secretary Pius Letenge.
He said given how its premier competitions ended prematurely this year, the competition calendar for next year was already set and awaiting endorsement from the association’s executive committee.
“We want to kick off competitions early, starting with the Women’s National Soccer League,” Letenge told The National.
“The Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup is scheduled for June and July, so women footballers need to have some game time.
“Starting the competition early will help their fitness.
“It would also give ample time for player development programmes.
“The National Soccer League (men) will kick off early too.
“The competition calendar is already set but pending discussions and endorsement by the executive committee.
“Once it has been endorsed then we will announce the competition dates.”
Meanwhile, the association has warned franchises in both competitions that Coronavirus vaccination was now mandatory.
“For next season, the association will only be accepting clubs that are fully vaccinated, including players and officials,” Letenge said.
“This means that clubs interested to participate will have to ensure the players they recruit are fully vaccinated.
“We had to cancel the remainder of this season because the directive given by the National Control Centre was to resume the competition only if everyone had been vaccinated.
“To avoid players (or clubs) refusing to get jabbed, we are now opting for this proactive approach.”