MADANG: Ten teams are contesting the 2004 Papua New Guinea Football Association women’s national championship which kicked off in the coastal township of Madang over the weekend. Over K5000 in prizemoney is on offer for the winning team.
Reigning champions Port Moresby were up against rival associations Lahi, Lae, Boana, Kimbe, New Britain, Goroka, Wabag, Madang and Wau in their quest to defend their title. Port Moresby won last year’s championship beating Lae 2-0 in the final.
The Port Moresby team has the most internationals at their disposal but was expected to face fierce opposition especially from home favourites Madang led by their sole international Tracey Kig.
Current and young internationals on show in Madang and according to PNGFA Acting General Secretary, Noel Mobiha, it will further provide exposure to up and coming women players striving for future representation.
“Women’s soccer is growing and we are rated the number one women’s soccer nation outside of New Zealand and Australia so we hope to maintain that popularity through events like this,” he said.