Young footballers will carry our hopes, dreams: Raminai

By ISAAC LIRI
HAVING youth sides compete in the National Soccer League (NSL) is the right approach to lift the standard of football, says Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai.
Raminai, pictured, made these remarks during last week’s launch of the Southern Strikers — one of the youth sides in the semi-professional competition.
Raminai said previously, the NSL was all about top players competing against each other with only one development side — Besta PNG United —leading the way.
However, times have changed and a lot youngsters are now being given the opportunity to showcase their skills through franchises like the Strikers.
“I commend the brains behind this concept,” Raminai said.
“They have worked hard to ensure that such a franchise (Southern Strikers) entered the semi-professional competition to provide a pathway for more young footballers.
“On my trips overseas, I’ve seen professional clubs recruit players as young as 10 years old and develop them into superstars.
“If we take the same approach, we will definitely produce quality footballers and that is our long-term vision.
“We dream of one day making it to the Fifa World Cup and to get there, we need to work with our young players. They will carry our hopes and dreams.
Raminai also encouraged parents and guardians, who have children playing football, to be supportive.
“Investing time and effort can make a big difference,” he said.
Raminai urged young footballers to maintain their discipline both on and off the field.