By HENRY MORABANG
ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas has imposed life ban on players and officials who have tarnished the good name of their franchise team Toyota Mioks and Enga province last year.
Ipatas told The National last night the players implicated in the Tokua Airport incident and alleged rape in Port Moresby would definitely not participate in any capacity with the team in future.
“These two incidents have dragged Enga’s name to the lowest points and as co-sponsor, these players and officials are banned for life,” he said.
The governor said last year’s Mioks board and players implicated in bringing the game into disrepute and also tarnishing the name of Mioks had no space in the team.
Ipatas said he had to take a bold step and lay down the law.
He said sponsor, Ela Motors through Toyota brand had been very good and supportive, having such players and officials who cannot conduct themselves in good behaviour cannot be tolerated.
Governor Ipatas said Toyota had yet to decide on their sponsorship and any decision made by Ela Motors was understandable and would be accepted.
Ipatas is fully aware that two franchise owners, Wari Vele Agency and Brian Bell Group of Companies, have withdrawn their sponsorship from this year’s SP Cup competition.
Ipatas said whatever outcome from Ela Motors, Mioks would participate in this year’s competition.
“I am not going to allow few individual actions to spoil a good initiative by my government. It is a project for the provincial government with an annual allocation and it will remain this year,” Ipatas said.
The governor said the homeground for Mioks would still be the Johnson Siki Oval.
“I can guarantee that from now on, the people and government of Enga will insist on discipline and accountability,” he said.
Enga governor is renowned for supporting sporting teams from his province, be it soccer, volleyball, softball or any sport that carry the flag of Enga province at any national championships.
Meanwhile, Kimbe Bulls from West New Britain have already put their hands up as one of the replacements for the two Port Moresby-based franchise teams.
According to reports from Kimbe, the Bulls have been training quietly and have recruited some big guns that will be firing if the negotiation between the franchise owners and PNG National Rugby League Board is sorted out.
It is understood that recently retired Agmark Guria halfback Jessie Alunga will take charge of the Kimbe Bulls.