Bougainville in bid race

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, pictured, launched the Bougainville Pride bid for next year’s Digicel Cup at Hutjena Oval, Buka, on Saturday.
The launch was witnessed by PNG National Rugby League administrator Stanley Hondina, New Guinea Islands Confederate director Aloysius Tobata, Autonomous Region of Bougainville sports minister Mary Getsi, Buka Rugby League chairman Avis Vanua and intending sponsors.
Minister Getsi and the local business community have backed the Pride’s bid saying it was an intiative that could add to the rehabilitation process and unity on the island.
Getsi and Buka league chairman Vanua were confident the province had the talent to field a good team in the semi-professional competition.
Tsaka said the PNGRFL supported Bougainville’s bid but they would have to meet the requirements, namely: venue, player base, registration fee, long term sponsorship commitment and ability to sustain the franchise for more than a season.
Last Friday when the PNGRFL delegation arrived at Buka Airport they were accompanied to the Hutjena show ground for a site inspection of the proposed Bougainville Pride’s home ground.
Tsaka, Hondina and Tobata commended the Pride bid saying it needed all stake holders to work together to make their goal of becoming the first team from the province into the Digicel Cup a reality.
Tsaka said the bid process would take several months and this would enable the Pride to organise themselves.
The NGI region will also have another bid apart from the Pride with the Kimbe Cutters also expressing their interest.