She is a teacher by profession and played football in Simbu for 20 years before moving into the administration side of the world’s most popular sport.
The mother-of-four has three boys and one girl, who is following in her mum’s footsteps as a footballer.
Diane first kicked a ball at the tender age of 15 in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, and her leadership qualities were evident even then. As captain, she lead her team to club championships, not only in the province but further afield in the likes of Lae, Madang and Port Moresby during the 1980s.
Football facilities at that time were scarce in the region and Diane says finding somewhere to train and play matches was always an issue. The team had access only to a rugby league field and were often denied the use of this by local officials.
Close friend Simon Koima, who is the president of the NCD Soccer Association, describes Diane as an outstanding leader, both on and off the field. She had the reputation of being an uncompromising and talented player and has carried those qualities over to her activities away from the field.
After playing football for over 20 years, she finally decided to step aside and provide the younger generations with the chance to take the code to the next level.
She was first elected as president of the Simbu Soccer Association in 2006 and was re-elected to the seat in 2010.
Her goal on reclaiming the role was to preside over the construction of a new football field in Simbu to help the game regain its previous popularity in the area.
This dream became a lot closer to reality when a suitable piece of land was made available at Gon Kambua Primary School, which is located just a five minute drive from the Kundiawa town centre.
Work is now set to begin on the facility after an official ground breaking ceremony was conducted by Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) President David Chung, who is also OFC President and a FIFA Vice-President, this month.
Joining Diane and President Chung at the ceremony were Kundiawa/Gembol MP Joe Mek Teine and Chimbu governor Fr. John Garea.
Also in attendance was Diane’s daughter Tetoria Robert, who was dressed in traditional Simbu attire to welcome the OFC President. The 13-year-old is showing the same promise her mother did in football and was selected in the Papua New Guinea U-15 women’s team for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore but could not attend the tournament.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg