PNGRFL confirms Hondina as chief executive

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman Sandis Tsaka yesterday announced the confirmation of Stanley Hondina as the governing body’s chief executive.
Hondina has been acting in the position following the resignation of former chief executive Reatau Rau last October.
“Hondina has performed remarkably well for the past three months while acting in the position,” Tsaka said.
“The PNGRFL board had no hesitation in confirming this appointment which became effective on Feb 8.”
He said Hondina was no stranger to the game.
“He has played the game at all levels and had a great coaching career ahead of him but chose to take the path to be an administrator,” Tsaka said. “In 2014, I had a chat with him and pointed out to him that he had the attributes of making a good coach and/or an administrator and it was upon him to decide.
“Looking back, we are pleased he made that call to be an administrator and seven years on, see him at the helm as the chief executive of PNGRFL.”
Hondina holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the PNG University of Technology, is a fully-fledged CPA member and graduated with a Masters in business administration from the University of Papua New Guinea.
He is also an associate member of the PNG Institute of Directors.
“Hondina was previously the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager (2017-2020), formerly the National Rugby League (NRL) administrator (2016) for the past six years and brings with him those leadership qualities needed to drive the game forward within PNG,” Tsaka said.
“Prior to working for our sport, Hondina worked as an auditor at the Auditor-General’s Office and private accounting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for a total of five years.
“He was instrumental in bringing our tier-four semi-professional national competition, the Digicel Cup, from where it was to where it is now and a key milestone amongst many is the delivery of a successful season 2020 amidst the global pandemic.”
Tsaka said Hondina will continue to oversee the role as PNGNRLC manager until a permanent appointment is made by the PNGNRLC board.
“The PNGNRLC-managed Digicel Cup is set to kick off in two months and he will continue in his capacity as PNGNRLC manager to see that all relevant processes and requirements are followed.” Tsaka said.
“The position will be advertised in the coming weeks to attract the best possible person.”
He said Hondina would also oversee the operations of the SP Hunters until a new general manager was appointed by the Hunters board.
“He has been and continues to work closely with all stakeholders involved both nationally and internationally to manage the challenging task of restructuring and relocating our Hunters to Queensland for the 2021 season,” Tsaka said.
Tsaka said Hondina’s appointment was for a three-year term.
Hondina said he was humbled by the appointment and thanked the board for their confidence.
“It is a huge responsibility and I will do what is best for the development and growth of the game, its players, officials and the many volunteers within the country,” he said.
“One of the priorities that needs immediate attention is supporting and strengthening our sport’s football, governance and commercial systems at local leagues, provincial, confederate and national levels as well as the national schools programmes.”
Hondina also thanked his predecessor for his contributions to the game.
“I am grateful to Reatau Rau for laying the foundations on much of what I inherited,” he said.
“And a big thanks to Tsaka and the PNGRFL board for this honour to head the biggest sporting organisation in PNG.”