The National Capital District Football Association (NCDFA) has confirmed that its 2023 season will be hosted at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. The games are scheduled to kick off on the weekend of November 11th-12th, 2023.
During their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 7th, the members appointed a technical team. With the new executives on board, they initially planned to host the event earlier, but it was delayed due to a lack of proper venues.
"The challenge is that our association does not have a football ground," said Vice President Joel Keimelo.
After securing SJGS as the venue for the matches, they decided to run the games. More than 70 teams from 10 clubs are expected to participate in the competition, which features different divisions - under 15 and under 17 men's and women's teams, as well as the premier teams.
As a requirement of the association, the under 15 and under 17 divisions are compulsory and all clubs should have teams for both divisions.
"For this season, we have our early A-Division because in our association, it's important to have under 17 teams for both genders, under 15 teams for males and females, and now we have included under 12 teams," said NCDFA President, Vonnie Kapi Nato.
"The interest is unbelievable. I think most of them came through the Hekari Academy. Not all are Hekari players, but they came from all parts of the city. And to me, I am greatly honored to have these youths be a part of this competition. Not only for the little boys, but we have also included the girls. So, this season is going to be great."
Vice President Mr. Keimelo thanked President Mrs. Kapi Natto for what she has done for the association.
"We don't have enough funds to pay for the facilities, but because of her love and passion for the game and association, she made it possible for the 10-team competition to kick off," Mr. Keimelo said.
"A special shoutout to all the teams that will be participating in this competition. Come prepared for this weekend and next weekend. It's going to be fun, enjoyable, and also a learning experience for everyone."
The draw was released with fixtures set to commence on Saturday. The opener will feature an anticipated entertaining show between Hekari Academy and POM Souths FC in the U15 division, scheduled to start at 7:00 am.
The Hekari Academy will then meet the POM Souths side for a U17 clash at 9:00 am. And for the U19, South-Side FC will take on Niu Luk Boas FC at 11:00 am.
"I am very excited to see our games kick off this weekend while all the codes are resting. Hopefully, we can finish our season at the end of the year. Then we can have a rest and look forward to kicking off our 2024 season," said Mrs. Kapi Natto.
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