Sports Minister Tkatchenko praises PNG Kapuls efforts

The performance of the PNG Mens Football team over the past two weeks in the OFC Nations Cups has certainly raised the bar for football in the country and a start for better things to come.

Despite losing to New Zealand in a penalty shootout in the OFC Nations Cup grand final, the team has taken a lot of positive out of their efforts and should hold their heads up high.

In doing so the team has received heaps of praises from Minister for Sports and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko for they have made the country proud.

“I was hoping and praying that they would have beaten New Zealand but unfortunately they didn’t. But regardless of the result, they have become champions to all of us and we are so proud of their efforts,” said Minister Tkatchenko.

The Sports Minister also praised the coach, administration and management of the team for working tirelessly to ensure the team has made it this far and raising the standard of football to another level.

“It takes a collective effort by everyone involved to bring this team this far. For them to make it into the OFC grand final is a remarkable feat in itself and as far as I’m concerned, they have already won by just being in the grand final. And that’s a fantastic result for PNG and a fantastic result for football” adds Minister Tkatchenko.

After last night’s performance and the turnout of a full capacity crowd at the Sir John Guise stadium, Minister Tkatchenko was convinced that this truly shows that Papua New Guineans love their football as much as rugby league and he sees it as another exciting sport for PNG.

He also thanked President of PNG Football Association, Mr David Cheung and his administration for getting their acts together and delivering a wonderful tournament and he will continue to commit his full support to the sport to help it develop and grow in the years to come. PNGFM/ PNG Today