Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) President, John Kapi Natto has retained his presidential seat following the association’s 20th Elective Congress in Port Moresby last week.
Kapi Natto was declared unopposed following the disqualification of another nominee for the presidential seat and Lae Football Association President, Roy Kamen.
Voted in for a second term (2024-2028), Kapi Natto said he was looking forward to working with the four Regional Presidents, including the newly elected Executive Committee (ExCo) members.
“It’s been a tradition of football every four years to come together for the elective congress. The last election took place in 2020 and we worked along with the previous EXCO members. We've tried our best to take football forward,” Kapi Natto said.
“Unanimously, they wanted me to retain the position again so I raised my hand for another term. Elected among other members to take office, this term adds value with a lot of them having worked and or played football for PNG in the past.”
Kapi Natto also clarified the legal processes that were taken against his potential competitor Mr. Kamen, as orders were directed from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) office.
“The decision of integrity check is on the electoral committee. As for me as president, I had to stay out of it and not question Mr. Kamen’s disqualification,” he said.
“In saying that, if we are referred to the OFC, we are expected to pay a certain fine or it goes in our records. At one point, I was waived for my actions, but I paid my dues.”
He said if the directives were sent directly from the OFC, there was nothing the national association could do, especially during big events, including the elective congress.
Meanwhile, the other Election Congress Members voted, including the Regional Presidents, where Siegfried Beschel (Madang) and Morea Vavine (Koupa) retained their seats unopposed for the Northern and Southern Regions, respectively.
The Highlands Regional Seat was won by Mt. Hagen Football Association President, Samuel Kini following a 9-8 vote between him and another Member Association President, David Ruddy Yambu.
The New Guinea Islands had three nominees for the role with Maha Waname (Kimbe) claiming the position by 8 votes over Justin Helele (Bougainville) 6 votes and Jack Changau 3 votes.
Ordinary members (Exco) voted in included Otto Kusunan (Wau-Northern), Joshua Kaiankim (Tabubil-Southern), Tony Omal (NBPOL-NGI), and Bak Sure (Mendi-Highlands).
A new women’s representative was also voted in with former PNG women's football rep, Cathy Agunam as the only female for the next four years.
“It’s great to see former footballers also elected into office for this term in the likes of Samuel Kini (Highlands VP), Otto Kusunan, as well as our new women rep, Cathy Agunam,” Kapi Natto said.
“Bringing their playing experience on board will provide thoughts all aligning to football among many other things.”
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