FIFA president Sepp Blatter will make an historical visit to the autonomous region of Bougainville to promote peace through football on Jan 18.
Blatter’s visit coincides with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Congress which is also scheduled for January at Kimbe with the PNGFA bi-annual Congress following after.
The one-day visit will see the FIFA boss launch the Bougainville Football for Peace programme at Hutjena Secondary Sports oval in Buka, a visit to the Buka General Hospital and the Callan Disabled homes at Hahela Catholic Mission.
In addition, FIFA and OFC delegates will inspect the proposed soccer field at the Hahela Catholic Mission.
It was made known to PNGFA office in Buka that the field will boost soccer in the region.
The Bougainville Soccer Federation will showcase a total of 18 teams from North Bougainville.
The games will begin as early as 8am.
The teams confirmed to play are Hangan U12 (boys), Malasang U12 (boys), Sorom U12 and U16 (boys and girls), Hagogohe U12 (girls), Pororan U16 (boys), Ieta U12 and U16 (girls), Tsitalato U16 (boys), Halia U16 (boys), Sohano U20 (men) and Lonahan U12 (girls) and U20 (men).
Golden oldies teams from Tsitalato and Hagogohe will also “crack some old bones” during the event.
In addition, a women’s team from Kokopo will play the Bougainville women’s team.
Bougainville are known for their performances in soccer and the visit by the FIFA president Sepp Blatter will attract more youngsters to the sport.