In light of the recent political upheaval in Papua New Guinea, PNG Football Association president and OFC vice president John Kapi Natto has conveyed sympathy to those who lost loved ones in the election related violence.
“Firstly, as President of PNGFA and vice president OFC, I would like to convey my condolences & heartfelt sympathy to the many different families who have lost their loved ones over the recent National Election related issue.”
“Our prayer is that God forgive our nation and bring back peace and normalcy into our beautiful country, PNG that is made up of 1000 Tribes, 800 different languages but one people.
“May we humble ourselves and look to God for wisdom and knowledge that will direct our newly elected leaders to serve the people and the country as a whole,” says Kapi Natto.
PNG athletes in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham were also reminded of the recent tragic events and were asked to dedicate their sporting efforts to the people back home in Papua New Guinea.
Natto also took time to thank National Gaming Control Board through their community benefit trust fund, including Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, for supporting the women’s national soccer team to Suva, Fiji.
“Whilst we are facing crisis at home, our several sporting groups have been competing around the region to show case their talents and bring back victory but they are also affected by this crisis but sports is a bridge of pride, glory and victory of a nation,” says Kapi Natto.
PNG had been playing relatively well in the OFC tournament to defeat Samoa 3 – 0 in the semi-finals and book a grand final’s berth against Fiji.
However, Fiji is also coming off a spectacular 3 – 1 win over Vanuatu earlier on Tuesday night, which makes for an exciting final’s clash against PNG.
The final will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this evening at 5pm (PNG time) and 7pm (Fiji time).