By HENRY MORABANG
NATIONAL Soccer League’s pathway to O-League may become a two-way battle if the current performances of Tuguba Laitepo Morobe Kumuls and Gelle Hills are any indication.
Tournament director Sailosi Druma said all 16 teams are confirmed to take part except for Popondetta and Alotau teams.
“Due to the flooding in these two areas, the teams are facing difficulties trying to travel to the tournament this weekend,” Druma said yesterday.
The 16 teams are Port Moresby, Lae, Oro, Wewak, Goroka, Mount Hagen, Madang, Kimbe, Kavieng, Rabaul, Manus, Buka, Daru, Porgera, Central and Combined Defence Force. Newcomers are Wewak, Porgera, Central and Combined Defence Force.
The main contenders to look out for are Kavieng, Kimbe and Goroka however, that does not rule out the other teams, anything can happen this weekend,” Druma said
He said the 2004 winners Kavieng have quite a big team, Kimbe had a lot of preparations in the mid season and the 2005 champions Goroka Silver Boots are a force to be reckoned with as well.
According to Kimbe Rugby Union team captain Freddie Matthies, his team has been in training for the past three months.
“We are hoping to get into the Export Cup Finals. The last three years we have only gone as far as the quarter finals. We have maintained most of the provincial representative players from the last nationals. With four newcomers, we hope to have added strength on our side in this weekend’s Export Sevens.”
“To date, we have four Pukpuk players and seven of our players were also selected for the Super Fours tournament in Lae recently. The lead-up competition – Export Regional Satellite Sevens was also a bonus in the team’s preparations.”
Bau Waulus, president of New Ireland Rugby Union, said that the New Ireland team was aiming to repeat the 2004 victory.
“Our team is all set. They have been camping in Mangai, outside town, for the past two weeks. We have looked at our pool, and are confident of playing the cup,” said Waulus.
PNG Rugby Football Union and SP Brewery are expecting a good crowd this weekend if weather permits. Gate fees are: Grand stand K10 for adults; K5 children; outer stands K2 for adult and K1 for children.