PNG’s Simongi departs for football program

Besta PNG United and PNG midfielder, Emmanuel Simongi, left for New Zealand last week to be part of the Oceania Football Confederation Education Program at One Tree Hill College.

The youngster from Lae, who was part of the OFC program last year for three months, will once again join the other 13 participants for another three months' training under the program.

PNGFA General Secretary, Dimirit Mileng, said they were proud to send Simongi for the attachment under OFC scholarship.

“We are proud to send Simongi once again to New Zealand to further gain his knowledge and become a professional player," Mileng said.

He said PNG Football believed that Simongi had the talent to be a professional player and that was why they chose him to go back again and further his education.

“We have seen the talent in young Simongi playing with Besta PNG United in the National Soccer League this season and we believe that he can be a professional player in future, which will be very beneficial for PNG Football,” said Mileng.

The Oceania Football Education Program aims to support aspiring young Asian and Pacific footballers.

The scholarship program enables 13 participants from around Asia Pacific to spend two terms in Auckland, where they will benefit from some of the best coaching and facilities available in the region.

The scholarship provides funding to cover education – including English language training – coaching, accommodation and living costs of all 13 participants.

Young Simongi said: “I am very much excited to be part of the training program because I learnt a lot during my last stay."

Author: 
Troy Taule