But at the same time he has challenged other franchises involved in the National Soccer League to step up and foot it with the O-League champs.
“Hekari have set the standard and the question is can the other franchises live up to that billing,” said President Chung, who also serves as OFC Senior Vice President.
As a former player, coach and referee, the President is known as a hard man to please. He has noted the recent NSL Grand Final was a concern to him where Hekari won 5-0 over Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC in Port Moresby late last month.
“Our NSL competition should be competitive to give Hekari the challenge needed to retain its Oceania status. If these franchises don’t perform Hekari’s standard will fall because of the lack of competitiveness.”
He said franchises need to improve collectively to ensure Papua New Guinea is a force to be reckoned with at the club and international level. In partcular, he has urged sponsors to be more committed to their franchises.
“Take for example Hekari’s major sponsors, they are committed and serious about their players’ performance, management and recruitment and as a result they are successful,” he said.
For the coming season, President Chung says the number of teams is likely to be cut down from nine teams to seven teams to make the league more competitive.
But despite his concerns around the domestic scene, Chung is delighted with Hekari’s O-League performance beating two-time champions Waitakere 4-2 in the two-legged final.
“I am proud to say that Hekari has set the standard. They have proven that they can be competitive in the Oceania.
“As president of PNGFA I congratulate Hekari for pushing Papua New Guinea soccer forward and no doubt they have put PNG on the map.”
Story courtesy PNGFA Media