Local comp in South Bougainville looking to export more football prospects

A rural football tournament in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is aiming to unearth local heroes that could potentially compete in professional competitions at the national level.

Buin 'Lewa Town' currently hosting the South Bougainville Member's Soccer Cup, which was officially launched yesterday (Monday), is hoping some future stars would be identified from the local competition.

The week-long tournament sponsored by the office of South Bougainville, with a total funding of K400,000 has garnered interest from all districts in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

12 men's and four women's teams from Siwai, Bana, Torokina, and Buin, will compete for the coveted title.

The tournament was officially launched by the local MP and Information and Communications Technology minister, Timothy Masiu, under the theme: 'Uniting South Bougainville through Sports'.

The return of Member's Cup marks the reaffiliation of South Bougainville competition with the Bougainville Football Federation.

Historically, the Member's Cup has produced some of national football figures that have represented PNG in regional tournaments.

One of the notable alumnus of this local comp was Calista Maneo, who has transpired into a star player for Hekari United FC and a member of the Women's National Team.

The tournament aimed to export local heros, will reignite development pathways for athletes from Bougainville, especially for Southern part of the region, enabling them to reach professional levels in Port Moresby and other competitions.

Minister Masiu emphasized that the event was targetted to engage the youth population, preventing them from becoming idle and reducing the potential for social and law-and-order issues.

"Sports are an integral part of human development, in which we must exercise, demonstrate the spirit of togetherness, and foster connectivity through inclusivity to ensure that no one is left behind in our communities," he said.

First Secretary to the ICT Minister, Joseph Ealedona, who has a clinical football background, shared insights on the development of the code in South Bougainville to gain national recognition.

"Coaches at the national level are exploring different ways of playing football. It’s a modern, fast-paced game," Ealedona said.

"I believe we need to bring this approach to the region and require outside individuals like me to come and help develop the sport in South Bougainville.

The former national football admistrator will spearheard Masiu Cup along with sports officials from the district to ensure proper competitions are in place after the 7-day tournament.

"I will be working with the President of the South Bougainville Football Federation and the Federation executives to organize and build the association," he said.

"Once we establish the association, we will be able to support the development of our football athletes."

The South Bougainville Member's Soccer Cup will culminate with the finals, set to take place this Friday.