PNG Football Association president John Kapi Natto paid tribute to the outgoing president of Manus Soccer Association Jack Nawi Changau for his loyalty and undivided support for the past 20 years.
Nawi’s reign was ended after Manus Soccer Association Congress elected new Philip Kulwaum as new president last Friday.
Kapi Natto said Manus was part and parcel of new PNGFA executive going forward and thanked him for his undivided support.
Despite losing his seat, Mr Changau will continue as an PNGFA Executive Member until his term is experience PNGFA president also took the opportunity to congratulate new president Kulwaum.
“It truly demonstratic the democracy of election by clubs without fear or favour and PNG is ready to work with you and should time allow.
“I will meet up with you and your new executive Once again congratulation from me to you on behalf of PNGFA Executive Members,” he said.
Kulwaum expressed the same paying tribute to his predecessor Jack Nawi Changau for taking charge of football in trying times for the last 20-years.
Mr Kulwaum while assuming the new position said he will not change much but would ride on the vision and platform created by the outgoing president.
He gave assurance that he would follow Mr Changau’s dream and vision which include throwing his support behind John Kapi Natto as president of PNG Football Association.
He said he was well prepared in advance before putting his hands up to contest the president seat.
East Lorengau FC president Mark Lowap and Peter Punau, president of Pombrut Football Club in Manus Soccer Association also shared the same sentiment as their president Kulwaum.
Lowap thanked Mr Changau for taking the soccer this far but committing his personal time, resources and energy to see soccer in Manus is floating about the trouble waters.
Punau, a lawyer by profession thank Changau for his services and welcome the new president Kulwaua as Manus soccer starts a new journey.
Lorengau Town Mayor Joseph Kimas also thanked Mr Changau for his tireless effort in keeping and taking soccer this far.
As representative covering Ward One to Ward Seven in Lorengau Urban LLG, Mr Kimas said he has been supporting soccer under former president and will continue to do so under the newly elected president Kulwaum.
“We have a lot of competitions. Manus will go through a lot of competition with under PNGFA so we must prepare for it,” he said.
He called on the new executives of Manus Soccer Association not to forget the referee.
The outgoing president Mr Changau in his parting words thank everyone for staying behind him in good and bad time of soccer in Manus.
“I leave soccer president position with heavy heart and in great sadness but I will remain as member of football family.
“I am still around if you need me,” he said.
He thanked his immediate family, his wife and children for standing behind him and pushing him to bring soccer Manus to where it is now.