The Papua New Guinea Local Organising Committee is taking great pride in three of its latest employees, as it engages three women as Venue General Managers for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Port Moresby.
Sir John Guise Stadium, National Football Stadium, and PNG Football Stadium will be run by Toka Kini-Aua, Grace Yohang-Mataio and Frederica Sakette respectively. The fourth venue, Bava Park Stadium, will be run by Emmanuel Popoitai.
LOC Chief Executive Officer Seamus Marten has full confidence in the abilities of all four appointed VGMs, and believes providing opportunities for women to take up leadership positions is key in supporting the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup legacy.
“The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup slogan is ‘To Inspire, To Excel’ and we are proud to have these three women holding these important roles,” Marten said.
“We not only want to inspire women playing football on the pitch but also want to inspire women in football administrative roles,” he added.
The four will be traveling to Jordan for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at the end of this month to gain insight into the role that they will be playing during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in November.
“The trip will be very good for the four because they will be able to gain an understanding of what their roles require of them during the tournament,” Marten said.
Popoitai and Sakette are both passionate footballers, with Sakette’s involvement in the sport spanning over 20 years.
Both Kini-Aua and Yohang-Mataio will bring diversity to the group with their unique backgrounds outside of football. Kini-Aua is a passionate netballer and Yohang-Mataio is an accountant by profession.
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will start on 13 November in Port Moresby.
For more on Papua New Guinea football visit www.pngfootball.com.pg