Competition providing platform for selectors

USING the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup to identify and develop players for Digicel Cup franchises will continue to be a norm for the tournament, says competition manager Sam Koi.
He said the avenue provided franchises with the opportunity to put players forward to compete with the best teams from each region in the country.
“The idea was originally for the Mioks,” Koi said.
“But it has grown from strength to strength and we don’t stop any franchise from coming and selecting players.
“In the last three to four years of the tournament, they’ve attended all our games.
“It’s up to franchises and they’ve been doing that for the past three years.
“A great example would be the Hela Wigmen. Kroton sponsors up to eight teams every year now with teams from more than one province.
“One of the teams in the finals are sponsored by Kroton and that’s what we’ve been encouraging.
“The Wigmen have moved from watching and selecting.
“They’re now sponsoring teams and from there, they have their own player base to pick from.”
Koi said the Lae Tigers were the latest franchise to join the finals programme with a trial match for the Tigers train-on squad to be played as a curtain-raiser to Sunday’s grand final.
“We have a good working relationship with all the franchises so Tigers coach Stanley Tepend has requested for a slot.
“Some of the players from the tournament will be playing in the Tigers’ trial match, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”