PNG CAPITAL CONTINUES TO HOST REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
PORT MORESBY: Building on from the success of the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, the 2018 APEC Leaders’ Summit, the Rugby League World Cup 2022, several Pacific Games, the recent-past Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation and US-Pacific meetings, #AmazingPortMoresby continues to host regional and international events.
This week, from June 1st to the 10th, the capital city will host the inaugural Oceania Football Federation Women’s Champions League 2023 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. NCDC is providing the Stadium facility for the tournament.
Welcoming the visiting teams, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop said that despite being the nation’s capital city, his goal is for the city to become a regional and global hub for conferences, expos, exhibitions, sports and cultural activities.
The Solomon Islands Team Koloale FC is the first to arrive in the country on Saturday, followed by the LABASA Football Club from Fiji. Captain Sofi Diyalowai and Coach Arthur Simmons lead the Fijian team.
A total of five teams will be competing for the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League title.
The three other teams are PNG’s own Hekari United FC, Kiwi FC (Samoa) and AS Academy Féminine (New Caledonia). The other two visiting teams are expected to arrive today (Monday, May 29th 2023).
Team Fiji Coach Simmons said the team was excited to be here to participate in the first-ever OFC women’s challenge.
“Being the first one of its kind, it’s a momentous occasion. What’s exciting is that we will get to have the experience of being a part of this, and it gives us the chance to travel overseas.”
NCDC is supporting the OFC women’s tournament with K50,000 cash with an additional K300,000 worth of support in facilities and other associated costs.