The FIFA vice-president and Oceania Football Confederation president was in Jakarta yesterday to welcome the Papua New Guinea team at their team base as they prepare for their opening match with the Maldives tomorrow at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
“We have to be realistic about developing our football and the only way is to play more international matches outside our confederation as we lose out economically and importantly the marketing aspect,” Chung said.
The touring squad of 30 also includes the Asia Pacific Football Academy coaching director Giovanni Fernandez, former internationals Reginald davani and Trevor Ire part of the coaching staff under PNG coach Bob Morris.
“This is the start of new things not only for PNG but for the OFC Member Associations as well,” Chung said.
“This is part of my vision to strengthen Oceania’s pathway through our neighbouring Asian Football Confederation,” he added.
Chung said Papua New Guinea’s inclusion in this tournament is the first stage of forging new ties and lifting the countries profile.
The PNGFA and the Indonesian FA will formalise their new relationship via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Chung said the arrangement will see Papua New Guinea being invited regularly in primarily supporting Indonesia’s youth program.
The MNC Cup is sponsored by Media Nusantara company, Indonesia’s leading television network.
The matches will be televised on MNC’s television channel.
Papua New Guinea will play hosts Indonesia on Friday and Laos on Sunday.
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