Chung retains post

By Wendy Katusele in Kimbe

David Chung has retained his Papua New Guinea Football Association’s presidency title for the third term following the national congress held in Kimbe over the weekend.

While there was so much speculation of lone challenger John Kapi Natto expected to unseat the man, ten affiliates stood by his side with solidarity and loyalty of a body that has seen transparency and accountability since he took over office in 2005.

Kapi Natto mastered only six votes in a congress that saw fully police personnels from outside.
Surprisingly Tabubil Soccer Association was disqualified from voting for failing to comply with PNGFA statute on participating in any sanctioned tournaments for the last two years.

Chung after the congress said he was confident all along but did not want to show earlier defeat of what transpired over the last few days that the other camp had the numbers to oust him.

He said it was time to move on and continue with the development plans such as the elite program which is the key important factor for PNGFA lifting its playing standard with infrastructure development also a priority but while funds available from world body FIFA, the government’s assistance in providing land is important in realising this plan in provinces around the country.

The world body does not provide funding for land but does for infrastructure such as technical centres and training academies which has since been a set back in Chung’s plans.
Women have been given a fair representation in the new executive with Linda Wonuhali voted as senior vice president.

Kurt Reimann as vice president with Port Moresby Soccer’s Wayne Taylor, NCD Public Servants Simon Koima, Wau’s Shem Farrok, Madang’s Siegfried Beschel Jr, Goroka’s Paddy Kelly and Bougainville’s Joe Maineke as executive committee.

With the election of the new executives sees the return of regional offices as member associations report to their representatives.

“The onus is on them (affiliates) to report to their regional offices rather than blaming my office,” Chung said.

While Chung said he holds no grudges against those that went against him, he said it was time to work together and not expect free hand outs from PNGFA.
He challenged the presidents to do their job efficiently rather than blaming the mother body.