PNG Football Association (PNGFA)

The focus of the workshop is squarely on FIFA Football Infrastructure and Facilities Maintenance, aiming to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change on football facilities in the Pacific region.

PNGFA John Kapi Natto officially recognized ENB Soccer Association and declared its status as an Associate Member to PNGFA on November 1, 2023 at the Gazelle International Hotel.

The newly established association was tasked to:

On Friday 7^th July, PNGFA Facility Manager, Wane Wapung and his team handed over the tools to officials from the Koupa Soccer Association and the working team.

Kaparoko village becomes the second village or association in the country to embrace beach soccer, following in the footsteps of Fisherman Island.

Under the leadership of President, John Kapi Natto, the PNGFA has introduced beach soccer and futsal as new competitions under the PNGFA Competitions Department.

The competitions on the card for this year are Women National Conference Soccer League (WNSCL), men’s National Premier Soccer League, the National Youth Soccer League (Under 19 Boys/Girls) and the Futsal Super League (Outdoor and Indoor).

PNGFA Acting General Secretary, Dan Kakaraya said the 2023 football season will kick-off with Women’s National Conference Soccer League. It will be played in four conferences around the country which include Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Island (NGI).

PNGFA Acting General Secretary, Dan Kakaraya said beach soccer was initiated on the Fisherman Island and its young people will be fortunate to represent PNG in beach soccer in the Oceania region.

“The advent of beach soccer is now providing pathway for young people from Fisherman Island to go out to the world to take part in beach soccer. If PNG is successful, then the young players will go out on the world stage.

“PNGFA is fully committed to support beach soccer and ask for the same from the Fisherman Island players to commit and partner with football,” he said.

Semmy stated his confidence in the Taskforce Chairman and President of PNG Football Association, John Kapi Natto, for leading the dream of playing professional football in the Oceania region.

He also believes that the OPL will showcase the talent of Pacific Islands as a whole. Semmy, who currently plays for Altona Magic Soccer Club in Melbourne, Victoria, said that he would be available for the PNG team if they put up a team for the league.

This is to ensure the same incident is not repeated and the safety of players, families and fans is not compromised.

When confirming the grand final date and venue, a special media conference yesterday NSL competition Manager, Ahmjad Tekwie and PNGFA President John Kapi Natto announced that security is priority after last weekend’s incident which was unfortunate.

Tekwie confirmed that the NSL grand final play off between defending champions, Lae City FC and Hekari United is now scheduled for next Saturday 4th of February at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

The team arrived to a rousing reception from PNGFA officials, players, sponsors, families and football fans at the Jackson International airport terminal.

After previously finishing as runners-up on three occasions, PNG finally came home as champions, after they were crowned champions of the Oceania Nation Cup. Apart from securing the trophy, the girls have also qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Play-Off Tournament.

This was the first time in the country that women are taking part in football at the highest level and the first time a game has been controlled by an all-female officiating crew.

Head of PNG Football Association (PNGFA) referee and FIFA Oceania Referee Instructor, Jimmy Warai said it has been a long journey to develop the referees to a suitable standard.

“The journey started through PNGFA Member Association visitation program, talent identification and recruitment in Highlands region. There are now 30 active referees in Highlands Conference.”

The Kapuls are in Pool B up against New Zealand, New Caledonia and Fiji.

PNGFA President, John Kapi Natto when addressing the PNGFA Kapuls fundraiser dinner at the Dynasty restaurant on Thursday evening, thanked Prime Minister James Marape, Sports Minister Wesley Raminai and major sponsors among dignitaries for showing their support to the national men’s team.

Kapi Natto congratulated Kapul’s head coach Marcos Gusmao and his 30-man squad for making the final cut.