The franchise team that will take part in the competition this year was officially launched last week by Manus Governor, Charlie Benjamin in Lorengau in the presence of players, team officials and organisers, and the Manus public.
The team comprises of a 30-man squad comprising of four international players from the Solomon Islands, 18 Port Moresby-based players and eight local players scouted from the province itself will be based in Port Moresby throughout the 14 week competition.
During the launch, Governor Benjamin said it was time the standard of the code in Manus was lifted back to the level it was in the 1970’s and 80’s, if not to a whole new level.
He said despite several challenges, he is pleased that the team tasked to place the bid for Admiralty Peliau FC’s participation in the competition successfully did so just in time to join this year’s competition.
“Our government had a dream that one day we will lift the standard of soccer to a new level and show what soccer means to us. This is the reason why we put together a committee last year to work towards putting up a team from Manus.” Benjamin said.
Admiralty Peliau FC is backed and supported by the newly established MPG business arm Admiralty Peliau Limited, a sporting company which is 100 per cent owned by the people of Manus.
Governor Benjamin confirmed that last year K1 million was allocated to Manus Sports through the Provincial Budget, K640, 000 of which was earmarked to form the NSL team.
“This is the launching of our team and players you now represent Manus, be disciplined and don’t let us down,” the Governor told the players.
Admiralty Peliau FC as a new team and have not played with a strong opponent yet, their first game will show whether they have prepared well or not.