With less than 10 days to the opening ceremony of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, pressure is mounting on the local organising committee as the rush to complete the final stages of construction on the venues, picks up.
Meanwhile, teams from 15 different countries will start descending upon Jackson’s International Airport in the coming days, with Venezuela arriving in the nation’s capital this morning.
While the work on stadiums is in full swing to get to FIFA standard and the 5,000 sitting capacity stadium (PNG Football Stadium ) with change rooms, offices, and broadcast equipment, will be the new home of football in the country.
Sports Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, said for the first time football is finally being recognised by the government and the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) will work together with the PNG Sports Foundation to sublease the ownership of the National Government, as it is National Government’s property and investment.
Venezuela, the first country to arrive in PNG early this morning is the south American team which finished second place in the South American qualifying competition.
Venezuela, along with PNG, will make their debut appearance in this tournament.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said despite the short time of preparation, the government and the Local Organising Committee will show to FIFA that PNG can deliver a world class international event, and PNG is games ready.
The governor highlighted that the event is a significant one that will inspire a lot of young women and mothers in the community to take ownership and responsibility, and to achieve the outcome that everyone who takes part in this tournament will remember PNG once they have returned to their countries.
