“PNG Football Association is undergoing wholesale changes within the administration and operational level to meet the demand for football growth and interest in the country,” says PNGFA General Secretary Pius Letenge.
PNGFA General Secretary Pius Letenge was responding to the Post Courier report, dated March 31, 2021: Where is K3 mill; NSL? Franchise owner queries reiterating that changes are taking place under the leadership of President Mr. John Kapi Natto.
Letenge is urging franchise owner Andrew Namuesh to consult PNGFA Secretariat for any concerns regarding PNGFA matters and this includes any concerns on National Soccer League.
He added the Secretariat office is working very closely with the NSL Accounts division to finalize the 2020 NSL season financial expenditure report and this will be tabled for the NSL Board.
While admitting that running the NSL competition is expensive, PNGFA is grateful to have a generous sponsor in Kumul Petroleum Holding Limited (KPHL) who came on board to support the men’s competition while the revamped Women National Soccer League is fully funded by FIFA under its Women’s Football Development Program.
Letenge further explained that live-streaming of the National Soccer League competition is what PNGFA will be looking at as an opportunity to develop content for revenue generation.
This is supported by OFC and FIFA and has been trialed out at the Women’s Premier League. This is one area OFC and FIFA are supporting PNGFA and other Federations to seriously look into as marketing and commercialization strategy. At this stage, PNGFA does not have the resources to outsource this scope so is building capacity within its current human resources strength.
PNGFA Competition Department is now responsible for managing all sanctioned PNGFA competitions at the national level, regional level, and those hosted at provincial and member association level.
The franchise owners have the responsibility to the team which includes paying the nomination and affiliation fee, dressing the team (uniform), match the payment, and any other expenses associated with franchising the team.
Letenge said the current NSL Board term in office has expired in October 2020, and PNGFA Executive Committee is yet to deliberate on the new TOR and appointment of the new Board.
He further added that refereeing has been a major concern in past NSL competition and this is currently being addressed and plans have already put in-place to improve the capacity and performance of referees.
PNGFA General Secretary while commending Mr. Namuesh for his support to football especially sponsoring the major off-season soccer competition, the Wawens Cup, it must be noted that PNG Football Association executive committee will soon sanction all championships and tournament.
“FIFA is now very strict with legal compliance in all competitions, and anyone wishing to stage football competition, championship or tournament in the country will need to seek clarification from PNGFA Secretariat office for advise on football regulatory compliance and to avoid bringing football into disrepute,” he said.
Letenge, however encouraged all stakeholders, managers and players to consult the PNGFA secretariat if they have any issues or concerns before going out in the public in print or electronic media.
PNGFA general secretary and the Secretariat want to see such behavior to ceased immediately and want all stakeholders, team manager and players to work together going forward.
