PNGFA yet to pick final 10 teams for NSL

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) is yet to confirm the final 10 teams that will be competing in the 2021 National Soccer League (NSL) season, says an official.
Earlier this month, PNGFA general secretary Pius Letenge said the final teams would be announced by June 17 which had lapsed yesterday. But acting PNGFA competitions director Roosje Suwae told The National yesterday that they had completed the screening process of the 14 franchises that expressed interest and would soon announce the final 10 sides.
“June 17 was the date set to announce the composition of the 2021 National Soccer League, however, the NSL standing committee and PNGFA have yet to meet and confirm the final 10 teams,” Suwae said.
“The screening process has been completed and the 10 teams will be announced soon.
“So far, four clubs have paid their fees. They are Strikers, Morobe Wawens, Start Mountain and Tusbab Stallions.”
Out of the 14 teams that have expressed interest, PNGFA is only accepting 10 for the season in order to meet Fifa and Oceania Football Confederation requirements of running a premier league.
Meanwhile, Suwae confirmed that Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited was still the major sponsor for the upcoming season.
“PNGFA is working to get them (KPHL) to extend (their support) for another three years,” she said.
“PNGFA will meet with KPHL to discuss a new sponsorship at the end of this month.”