He said there were ups and downs of course, but PNGFA would have learned many things to try improve for the better in the 2014 season. But one glaring problem that needed some special attention was the standard of football being played by the national mens teams in all age categories.
However with the coaching courses conducted for both men and women during the 2013 year, PNGFA hopes to see some improvement in the standard of coaching this year. The coaching courses were conducted through the OFC coaching scheme. There is a similar course for referees, which is also conducted through OFC.
Chung said the recent youth tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia was the first international match for the side outside of Oceania, and it is just the beginning for “us to prepare for FIFA World Cup 2018”.
The National Soccer League (NSL) also had its ups and downs, he said. However, so far the semi-professional football has done a tremendous job at promoting football and even managed to post a small profit, Chung said.
Chung said the elite academy programme started but hit a glitch when coach-mentor Mike Keeney left for greener pastures.
However, there is cooperation agreement with Asia Pacific Football Academy which allowed the director of football Giovani Fernandes to continue with the programmes, which will be in full swing in 2014.
Some centres were lucky with infrastructure development grants. With the mutual arrangement with PNGFA and West New Britain government, PNGFA has managed to get into second phase of the FIFA Technical School.
Chung said PNGFA had to convince FIFA to commit US$600,000 (K1.46 million) to the project. The Bougainville projects are scheduled to kick start in 2014 with funding under FIFA’s less privilege countries programme. Unfortunately, Port Moresby and Southern Region missed out.
PNGFA still has the money to develop a soccer field in Port Moresby but there is no land after all the promises from PNG Sports Foundation and its Board.
Chung said overall he was happy with what has happened in 2013. “I think the future ahead will be bright for us as we learn from mistakes and set foundation for the future,” he said.