The soccer community on Bougainville are upset for the change of venues for the Besta NGI championship from Buka to Kimbe.
Describing it as a major blow to the organizing committee on the ground, who have spent sleepless nights preparing for the event.
President of the Bougainville Football Federation Justine Helele told PNG Loop in Buka that he only learnt of the change of venue by reading it in the Post Courier.
“According to our NGI Presidents meeting in Goroka, Buka was chosen and we were all preparing and looking forward to the event but then without notice it changed.” Helele said.
“We have now missed out on a lot of opportunities for Bougainville soccer, first of all we were never notified of the change of venue, and now all teams participating will miss out on the 20 percent discount offered by Chebu shipping.” he said.
“Road construction company Raibro currently sealing the second phase of the Buka ring road have pledged sponsorship and were waiting to announce it during the Besta cup when it will be held here, in Buka,” he said.
The member for Haku Constituency in the ABG Robert Tulsa had taken the initiative to head the organizing committee and it has also been a major blow for him too.