PNGFA weighs up FA Cup options

PRESIDENT John Kapi Natto says the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) is weighing up whether to host the Besta Football Association (FA) Cup every two years.
He said this when he kicked off the Besta FA Cup finals, hosted by the Lae Football Association (LFA), yesterday.
Kapi Natto said it was due to the huge costs shouldered by PNGFA member associations and associate members in sending teams to regional and national tournaments.
He said this had forced the qualifying teams in the New Guinea Islands to withdraw this year.
He said making the FA Cup a two-year event would ease the burden on teams and make the tournament more competitive.
Meanwhile, in the opening match of the men’s division, Northern Conference winners Morobe Football Association held heavyweights National Capital District Public Servants Soccer Association Gold to a 0-0 draw on field one.
On field two, Highlands champions Hagen Central and runners-up Hekari played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.
In another men’s result, Yarus Narung led 2-0 at halftime but NCDPSSA Black fought back to force a 2-2 draw with the Northern runners-up.
In the women’s division, Southern champions Port Moresby Soccer Association signalled their title ambitions with a 2-0 win over Northern premiers MFA.
Mt Hagen Central edged Enga 2-1 and Northern runners-up Madang eased past Kagua with a 3-0 win. The tournament ends with the finals on Saturday.