Women’s team boosted

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop as committed K200,000 to the Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) for its two teams that will be competing in the upcoming Women’s National Soccer League.
He made the commitment during the launching of the logos for Port Moresby City and Port Moresby Academy yesterday.
The league kicks off next Saturday.
Team general manager Gordon Manub said the reason they had two sides was to create a pathway for women in football.
City comprise players from the senior women’s division while Academy are made up of younger players.
Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) president John Kapi Natto said the league’s revival was in line with the governing body’s bid to secure a spot in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
“New Zealand have already qualified for the World Cup since they are the hosts so that leaves an opening for a second spot for a Pacific Island country,” he said.
“We are aiming for the World Cup so we’re reviving the league to allow our women to continue playing and hopefully they secure a spot for the showpiece event.”
Kapi Natto challenged both PMSA teams to pick up from where the country’s previous representative footballers had left off.
“PNG women have been Pacific Games gold medalists for a long time now and PNGFA is behind the league,” he said.
“I will invest all my time and resources into ensuring that we secure a World Cup spot.”
Parkop said the women’s national team had put PNG on the world map.
Meanwhile, he urged the players to promote gender equality and peace.