Count Down to Under 20 Womens World Cup Begins

from left: PNGFA General Secretary Dimirit Mileng, PNG Football Association (PNGFA) Senior Vice President, Linda Wonuhali Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko (throwing ball into the air) , U20 Womens World Cup Mascot Susa, PNG Sports Foundation Executive Director, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr and Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer, Seamus Marten in front of the Digital Billboard.

By FIDELIS SUKINA

There is approximately 94 days left for the opening match of the U20 womens World Cup on the 13th of November 2016. The World Cup will be hosted by PNG in Port Moresby.

An expected 175 million viewers from around the world will focus in on Papua New Guinea for the kick-off of the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 in November.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko was present along with , PNG Sports Foundation Executive Director, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr; Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer, Seamus Marten; PNG Football Association (PNGFA) Senior Vice President, Linda Wonuhali and PNGFA General Secretary Dimirit Mileng to officially start the countdown  on the digital screen located outside the Sir John Guise Stadium, opposite city hall.

Minister Tkatchenko said with 100 days to go he acknowledged the Government for its efforts to

Support the country in hosting the match, and extended his gratitude towards PNG Football Association and FIFA in improving the sport of soccer in PNG especially for the women.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko

“With 100 days to go, I personally would like to thank the PM and the cabinet along with the NCD Governor Powes Parkop for being the host city all facilities are being built in full consultation with FIFA and other stake holders.

“As sports minister I am proud of PNGFA and the organizing committee this is a moment for PNFA and FIFA to improve the sport of soccer for the country and especially for women in PNG”

Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Seamus Marten in a press statement said the countdown clock will be visible to the residents of Port Moresby who will play host to this world sporting event.

“One of our goals is to fill up the stadiums come November so the countdown clock will act as an exciting reminder for us and the residents of Port Moresby of how long until the kick-off as well as help build up the hype for the event,” he said.

Marten said with 100 days to go, the Local Organising Committee is working very hard to ensure that the stadiums are filled with spectators and fans come November.

He said preparations have picked up speed within the Local Organising Committee, with each functional area ensuring that they have everything in place come November.

The Live Countdown outside the Sir John Guise Stadium 

“This is the biggest sporting event of this stature that has ever been held and broadcast from Papua New Guinea to the world. It is a unique opportunity for Papua New Guinea as the host country to show the world we can,” Marten said.

“We’ve had meetings with venue managers and training venue owners as well as held meetings with respective government agencies who are involved with the preparation to synchronize all our efforts towards ensuring we are ready for kick off, he said.”

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held from 13 November to 3 December. And the first game will feature North Korea and Sweden.