A week-long ‘Win in Oceania’ workshop has concluded in Port Moresby today with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) confirming its commitment to invest in Papua New Guinea football activities over the next six years.
OFC President Reynald Temarii, who led the FIFA/OFC delegation, says discussions with the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) were productive and thought-provoking.
“We listened intently to the PNGFA members and learned a lot about their needs and concerns. Now it is a matter of meeting those needs through the FIFA-funded Win in Oceania development programme.”
President Temarii made it clear at the beginning of the workshop that FIFA and OFC will only work with those of the 18 PNGFA member associations who took part in the proceedings. Discussions that followed included analysis of five key areas: competitions, administration, media and marketing, technical development and grassroots football. Delegates were split into groups according to the four government regions of Southern, Highlands, New Britain and Momasa plus a fifth group representing the National Soccer League (NSL) clubs.
Following a ‘SWOT’ analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), the FIFA/OFC delegation announced a number of recommendations amounting to PGK 13.5 million over the next six years. These recommendations included computer and internet access for all member associations, extensive referee and coaching programmes, commencement of the ‘Just Play’ grassroots initiative in 2010 plus support for the NSL, O-League, Futsal and other competitions.
Following the workshop, the PNGFA Congress was held to approve statutory amendments including the sale of land and suspension of Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA).
PMSA, the largest football association in Papua New Guinea, is currently facing internal problems with a majority of clubs rebelling against President Fabien Chow. Despite the suspension, the OFC President said PMSA is welcome back into the Papua New Guinea football family at anytime once the issues are resolved.
President Temarii said the week-long seminar illustrated that an overwhelming majority of PNGFA members clearly support PNGFA President David Chung and his Executive Committee, just as FIFA and OFC continue to endorse the administration.
With this level of support, President Chung says he is looking forward to developing football in Papua New Guinea according to the roadmap established during this week’s workshop.
“We are grateful that FIFA and OFC are working hand in hand with PNGFA to plan, implement and sustain development programmes that reflect the needs of this very diverse, unique and often isolated part of the world.”
In closing, President Temarii paid tribute to the PNGFA administration led by David Brand and Dimirit Meling.
