The biggest regional football game in the country is once again set t to begin with the top local football teams competing to be the region’s best.
The International Food Corporation (IFC) sponsored Besta FA Cup Challenge will be played across the four regions. The Mamose challenge will kick off the competition in Madang on the 10th to the 13th of August at the Laiwaden Oval.
Confirmed teams to participate in the Mamose challenge are Lahi (men and women), LFA (men and women), Wau (men and women), Maprik (men), Vanimo Urban (men) and Ramu Sugar (men and women).
Four days after the Mamose challenge, the Southern leg will begin on the 17th to the 20th, which will be hosted by the Central Koupa Soccer Association (KSA) of Rigo.
The Southern Region Besta Cup will run for four days and will feature at least seven affiliates from within Koupa Soccer Association and the rest to be made up by NCD Public Servants Soccer Association, Port Moresby Soccer Association, Higaturu Soccer Association (Oro), Tabubil Soccer Association (Western), Hekari Soccer Association (SHP) and Lower Sogeri Soccer Association (Central).
Other two regions are set to start at their respective venues.
The Highlands Region will host the event at Kundiawa in Chimbu Province from the 24-27 August. The New Guinea Islands championships will be held at Arawa in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville on the 25th-28th.
PNGFA competitions manager Simon Koima urged all associate and pledge members who are willing to participate to have a men’s and a women’s team.
"Member associations without active competition running are not eligible for the tournament and are not allowed to send teams."
He said those willing to participate must seek advice from respective MA presidents, including the two new provinces of Jiwaka and Hela. They must comply with all requirements as associate members.