Two new sides join NSL

BULOLO United FC and Gigira Laitepo Central Coast FC are the only two new teams which have paid their franchise fees to take part in the 2011-12 National Soccer League competition.
They join Hekari United FC (POM), Eastern Star FC (POM), Besta PNG (Lae), Tukoko University (Lae) and Petro Souths (Mendi) after paying the K10,000 fee.
The other three sides which have shown interest are Tufi FC (Port Moresby), Hela Wigman (Tari) and Morobe United (LFA), and have yet to submit their expression of interest but the deadline elapsed last month.
NSL business manager Chris Brown confirmed last Friday that Bulolo and Central Coast had paid the fees while other new teams had not.
Brown will meet with Central Coast’s franchise owner Libe Parandali to sort out outstanding matters before they are confirmed for the 2011-12 season.
Brown said he had been trying to contact Parandali after receiving payment.
Brown admitted that there were only six spots up for grabs, and the franchise owners would have to keep their word or they would be dropped.
Parandali has shifted his support from Morobe to Central after Lae Football Association snubbed him after forming its own franchise – Morobe United.
He said he did not believe in just winning but wanted to support football to provide a pathway for  youths and talented footballers.
“I have given the chance to Morobe footballers as the owner of a Lae-based NSL franchise.
“But since they are not interested in my support, I have decided to support soccer in other centres,” Parandali said.
“I want to thank the Morobe soccer fans for their support of Gigira through thick and thin,” he said.
Koupa Soccer Association president Morea Vavine is organising his players to join the new franchise.
Parandali would love to see his team recruit local talents and blended them with a few experience players from other clubs.
In women’s NSL, all except Lae Central have nominated for the season.
The inaugural Women’s National Soccer League champions, Bara, Wau, PNG Power and new team Poro have expressed interest in this year’s competition.
In Port Moresby, Mungkas FC, Wantoks, Bizprintz Angels and Maxpro PNGIPA have expressed their interest except for last year’s grand finalist, NGCB University who have not submit their expression of interest.
WNSL coordinator Simon Koima confirmed yesterday that besides Bara, all teams have yet to pay their fees.
Those wishing to get more information should immediately contact Koima at the PNGFA office – Sir John Guise Stadium indoor complex.