BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE much-anticipated Western Cup football tournament has been postponed until September after the province’s only suitable venue was deemed unready for competition.
Western Province Sports Coordinator Jim Ben said the decision was made following an assessment of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) soccer field, which is currently undergoing major renovation and rehabilitation.
He said the tournament was originally scheduled to be held this month, but organisers were forced to reschedule due to unforeseen challenges surrounding the completion of the playing surface.
“The Western Cup was supposed to take place this month, but the JFK soccer field is not yet ready to host the games,” Ben said.
He said Turf Specialist George Kai recently inspected the field and concluded that it requires another three months before it is suitable for competitive football.
Ben said the assessment prompted tournament organisers to move the event to September to ensure the field meets the required playing standards and provides a safe environment for athletes.
He said although the postponement may disappoint football fans and participating teams, the decision was necessary to protect the quality of the newly rehabilitated field and ensure a successful tournament.
Ben urged participating teams to use the additional time to continue preparing for the competition, expressing confidence that the Western Cup will be staged once the venue is fully ready.
The Western Cup is one of Western Province’s premier football competitions and attracts teams from across the province, providing a platform to showcase local talent and promote the development of the sport.
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