PNGFA Secretary General clarifies Hekari’s ‘No Show’ cause

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) General Secretary, Ahmjad Tekwie, clarified yesterday (22nd December 2025) at PNGFA’s headquarters regarding the Premier Soccer League’s third-fourth playoff forfeiture game between Hekari United FC and Lae City FC. 

Last Sunday, 14th December, Hekari were scheduled to play against their arch rivals, Lae City, in the third-fourth playoff. However, Hekari did not turn up during the match due to PNGFA’s administrative blunder.  

PNGFA secretary general Ahmjad Tekwie noted that the forfeiture had nothing to do with Hekari, clarifying that the PNGFA technical department’s oversight disrupted the highly anticipated fixture.

“What happened was the result of an administrative blunder. Because we did not have sufficient funding to play the third-fourth playoff, we opted to cancel the match. It was a communication breakdown internally,” he emphasized. 

As the head of the administration, he admitted that he would cop the blame, stating: “I won’t say it’s anyone’s fault. I’ll take full responsibility for the blunder, and hope that this doesn’t happen again.”

Despite PNGFA’s failure, Mr. Tekwie revealed that Hekari would be penalized according to PNGFA’s regulations. 

In addition, the Lae City Football Club has heavily criticized the PNGFA over its handling of the Premier Soccer League third-fourth playoff, expressing its disappointment about what transpired.  

Mr. Tekwie further highlighted that PNGFA would pull up its socks and be better, making sure that such blunders do not happen again in the future.