PORT MORESBY – Port Moresby football fans are bracing themselves for the annual Papua New Guinea’s National Soccer Sevens tournament in the nation’s capital in just under three weeks time.
Over 250 players, 24 teams and club entries from Australia and Solomon Islands are expected to make the Mineral Resources Development Corporation (MRDC) sponsored event a major filip for the local economy.
Tournament Director, Mr. Aggrey Watson, said previous editions of the MRDC National Soccer Sevens had been exceptionally popular with fans and participants from all over the country.
"Marist FC – former Solomon Islands champions – participated in last year’s MRDC National Soccer Sevens and have expressed an interest in taking part again. We also expect some interest from Australian clubs in Far North Queensland," Watson said.
Sunshine Coast FC – an Australian club with strong ties in Papua New Guinea – could offer support for its feeder clubs to participate.
Watson said prize money for winning the competition was yet to be determined.
"Last year’s winners won 20,000 kina and shared by the winning team and player of the tournament," Watson said.
The tournament kicks off on October 17 at Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby.
* The MRDC National Soccer Sevens Organising Committee has been named. Tournament Director Aggrey Watson is joined by Andrew Lepani (Technical), Dudley Yariyari (Discipline) and Chairman, John Kapi Natto.