Soccer league moves Madang, Goroka matches to Lae

KUMUL Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) matches in Madang and Goroka have been moved to Lae as a preventative measure under the competition’s Covid-19 back-to-sport protocols, says an official.
NSL assistant manager Micah Kaneng told The National yesterday that the move would affect Madang Stallions and Kutubu but it was a decision in the best interest of the sport. Kutubu’s remaining home games are against the Stallions, Gulf Komara, defending champions Lae City, Star Mountain, Bougainville and Morobe United.
The Stallions’ remaining home games are against Morobe United, Star Mountain, Bougainville, Morobe Wawens and last year’s runners-up Hekari United.
“The clubs in Madang and Goroka will now play their home games at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium,” he said.
“The venues in Madang and Goroka won’t be used as per the Covid-19 protocols.
“All clubs will have to comply with the Covid-19 protocols to resume training and follow the competition guidelines prepared by the Papua New Guinea Football Association.
“All 10 NSL clubs will have to meet the requirements that are in guidelines in order to complete the season.”
He reminded the clubs that there were eight rounds remaining before the finals.
Kaneng said the dates for the finals would be released soon.
The clubs are using this month to prepare for the Aug 1 season restart after matches were deferred in March due to the nationwide Covid-19 state of emergency.