Three women to manage Papua New Guinea's Under 20 Women's World Cup stadiums

Three women to manage Papua New Guinea’s Under 20 Women's World Cup stadiums

Women will be in charge of three of the four stadiums which will be used for the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea in November.

The three women - Toka Kini-Aua, Grace Yohang-Mataio and Frederica Sakette - were appointed as Venue General Managers (VGM) to run the operations at the Sir John Guise Stadium, National Football Stadium and the PNG Football Stadium.

The only male, Emmanuel Popoitai, will be in charge of the Bava Park Stadium.

In a traditionally male-dominated culture, the appointment of these women is helping to break down barriers.

Sakette has had a football career spanning over 20 years, rising  from playing football to becoming a coach and eventually a football administrator. She described her appointment as the “icing on the cake” of her football career.

Meanwhile, Kini-Aua says being part of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup is a dream and for her to be directly involved as a VGM "is a privilege she can only thank God for."

Yohang-Mataio, an accountant by profession, said she’s been excited about the role since she joined the Local Organising Committee.

She said she is looking forward to gain experience from her forthcoming trip to Jordan and impart the knowledge gained to help deliver the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The only male VGM, Popoitai, is a footballer himself and holds the game close to his heart. For him the opportunity to be able to manage a stadium is a privilege and the highlight of his career.

Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Seamus Marten stated “the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup slogan is ‘To Inspire, To Excel’ and we are proud to have these three women holding this important role. We not only want to inspire women playing football on the pitch but also want to inspire women in football administrative roles." 

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