PAPUA New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) vice president John Kapi Natto has called for more international soccer fixtures to improve the standard of the code in the country.
He said that such fixtures could expose PNG players to the global arena and also build relationship with the neighboring countries.
“It’s not only about playing but its about sharing skills and experiences and establishing strong relationships in soccer,” he said.
He made these remarks after witnessing a friendly match between his own O-League-bound Hekari United and their sister-club Marist over the weekend in Honiara.
Mr Kapi Natto said sometimes it was hard for Solomon Islanders to enter competitive competition in Australia and New Zealand but opportunities are open in PNG, where the code is slowly making inroads and the players themselves have been involved in raising the standard of the code and in return have earned something for themselves.
Hekari United, the two-time NSL premiers got the nod to represent PNG in the six-spot O-League matches after Tuvalu pulled out in the elimination finals.
Marist coach Patrick Miniti also called on other Solomon Islands football clubs to take part in friendly international matches so they could gain experience and skills.
“This relationship should not be restricted to Marist and Hekari only. It is an open invitation for other clubs and players as well.
“If such opportunities arise for our players in overseas competitions, we have to give them a go. We must not stop them because of our local competition. It is every player’s wish and dream of playing in tough competitions,” he said.
He said he was proud of his players playing with Hekari in the newly established NSL competition and said that was the only way forward.
Mr Kapi Natto said the foreseeable future for soccer was good in their country and needed the support of soccer fans to foster a strong relationship to nurture the code.