Barramandis are team of the year

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea Barramandis are the winners of the SP Sports Awards team of the year category, thanks to their heroics in securing the country’s maiden berth at a International Cricket Council World Cup.
The team are preparing for the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India later this year.
It was great night for Cricket PNG (CPNG) as Barramundis all-rounder Norman Vanua and former coach Joe Dawes received the people’s choice award and sports official of the year honour respectively.
Barramandis all-rounder Chris Amini, who received the award on behalf of the team, told The National that it was good to be recognised for their efforts and hard work.
“It has been a long journey since Joe Dawes was appointed as our coach in 2018,” he said.
“He changed the structure of CPNG and brought in new ideas which I think were probably the key for us moving forward and qualifying for the World Cup. Not only just the World Cup but also regaining our one-day international status and winning gold at the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
“It’s really good that outside people see how much work that we put in and all the hard work that we do, so it’s very rewarding and satisfying,
“Qualifying for the World Cup is actually the biggest achievement for CPNG and it’s the highest level that you can go to compete on the world stage, so that in itself speaks for what we have accomplished.
“Personally, it has been tough (preparing for the World Cup), everyone has being affected by the (Covid-19) pandemic.
“We’ve been put into different groups (of four) to train and we’ve just been given the green light to train as a team (starting this week).
“The main focus now is the World Cup so everyone working together is the main thing to get to where we want.”
Meanwhile, Vanua said he owed the award to his family who have been supportive since he took up a career in cricketing.
“I didn’t expect to get an award but to get the people’s choice award, I’m completely thrilled,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to actually be chosen by people for this award.
“This is the first time for me to be nominated and win any award in PNG.
“To be named as a finalist against Morea (Baru) and Justin (Olam) who are giants in PNG sport, it’s a privilege.
“I dedicate the award to my mum who is my No.1 supporter.”