National Sports Authority pushes for new league under PVFA
August 23, 2024 7:30 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Vourie Molivakoro.
The government, through the Vanuatu National Sports Authority (VNSA), is working towards establishing a new football league under the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA).
The initiative, confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VNSA, Trevor Toka, aims to enhance football development in the country by providing more opportunities for local teams, especially those in the lower divisions.
A formal request is set to be submitted to the PVFA executive soon, urging them to consider this significant proposal.
According to Toka, the creation of a new league will address the challenges faced by teams that have remained in the lower divisions for extended periods or have never had the opportunity to compete at higher levels and will also be a platform for new teams from the growing capital city of Port Vila.
This league will give these teams a platform to showcase their talents, improve their skills, and increase their chances of being scouted.
Currently, the Port Vila League, which operates under the PVFA, consists of several divisions, with the Super League at the top, followed by the Premier Division, and then the First and Second Divisions at the base of the pyramid.
The new league, to be named the National Central League, will focus on teams from the First and Second Divisions, which have historically received little attention.
“We aim to focus more on the bottom line of the pyramid—the First and Second Divisions—which have potential talents but have not had the chance to get up there and develop their skills or even get scouted,” Toka said.
He emphasized that these divisions comprise over ten teams, many of which have been stuck in the lower ranks for years without the opportunity to progress to the Premier Division.
Toka expressed hope that the establishment of the new league would encourage greater engagement with football among local players, aiding their development and enhancing their prospects of advancing their careers.
He also highlighted the importance of football in Vanuatu, noting that it is the most popular sport in the country, drawing significant public interest.
“Football in Vanuatu has faced challenges in recent years, but with more training, exposure, and a new management structure, we believe we can nurture talents and improve player performance,” Toka noted.
He referenced the success of players like Brian Kaltack, who have returned from international competitions to contribute to the national team’s success, such as reaching the final stage of the Oceania Nations Cup held in Port Vila in June.
PVFA President, Harry Attison, confirmed that the matter will be discussed at the association’s Annual General Meeting in October.
If the proposal is approved, the National Central League will be based in the Korman area of Port Vila and will feature more than ten teams from the lower divisions of the existing league structure, overseen by a new executive body.
