CPNG praises Sibona

The National Sports

By PATRICIA KEAMO
CRICKET Papua New Guinea has hailed resident warden and game development manager Margaret Sibona for her efforts in managing the federation’s operations amid the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
For her efforts, she has been recognised as one of the finalists for the sports-official-of-the-year gong of the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Sports Awards, of which The National is the official print media partner.
While sporting venues were closed and many competitions cancelled last year due to the pandemic, Sibona ensured that the home of cricket, Amini Park, was a safe environment for federation staff and players.
“Without Margaret, it is likely that the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis wouldn’t have been able to compete in their first senior International Cricket Council World Cup in 2021,” federation general manager Tony Naidu said.
“I’m pleased that Margaret has been recognised as a finalist for sports official of the year.
“The work she does is often thankless, especially during Covid-19.
“Without her, we would not have been able to send teams internationally or been able to play as much cricket as we did domestically.

“ Without Margaret, it is likely that the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis wouldn’t have been able to compete in their first senior International Cricket Council World Cup in 2021”
Margaret Sibona has been shortlisted for sports official of the year.

“Furthermore, the award-winning Bank South Pacific Financial Limited Group School Kriket Programme and all domestic cricket activities would have likely ceased.”
A trained warden in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and Covid-19, Sibona recognised the importance of staff and player health.
She established an occupational health and safety office, and led a five-man team.
Basing their work on international best practice and at the direction of the world governing body, Sibona’s team developed:

  • CPNG back-to-cricket guidelines;
  • BSP School Kriket standard operating procedures for schools in PNG; and,
  • Outdoor and indoor competition standard operating procedures for all domestic associations and clubs.

Sibona organised fumigation every six months.
She ensured that personal protective equipment for staff and players were in stock and provided training for national players in advance of international tours.
Sibona worked with relevant authorities to compile all the necessary documentations, including pandemic guideline, and submitted them to Deputy National Pandemic Response Controller Dr Daoni Esorom and the Nuipela Pasin team.
Shortly afterwards, the federation obtained approval as the only organised team sport able to continue in the second half of 2021, conducting events such as the Village World Cup Series and the Village Premier League, under strict Covid-19 protocols.
“I’m speechless,” Sibona told this paper.

Cricket Papua New Guinea warden and game development manager Margaret Sibona presenting an award during the Brian Bell Village World Cup at Amini Park in Port Moresby last December. – Nationalfilepics

“I am so grateful to the Cricket PNG board, management, staff and players for having trust in me to take the lead, especially in 2021, when all sports were shut down.
“I dedicate my shortlisting to my sons Herea KilaPat, who competed in the 2021 qualifier in Japan, and Christopher KilaPat, who competed in this year’s Under-19 World Cup.
“Since my sons were representing PNG, I committed myself to work and enjoyed it.”
Meanwhile, the Barramundis (men), who are a finalists for team of the year, created history by competing in the World Cup for the first time.
“This is a significant achievement of which the country should be proud,” Naidu said.
The Barramundis made their first World Cup appearance against co-hosts Oman on Oct 17 last year.
Not only was this a first for PNG, it was also a first for the East Asia-Pacific’s associate member nations that had never earned a berth in a Men’s or Women’s Cricket World Cup.
While PNG had a winless campaign, losing to Oman, Scotland and Bangladesh, there was no shame in the results as it was mostly a learning curve for everyone involved.
Barramundi Assad Vala became the first captain in a World Cup to score 50 runs on debut.
Charles Amini Jr, Norman Vanua and Kipling Doriga also gave a good account of themselves against the world’s best cricketers.
Kabua Morea and Chad Soper were solid with the ball as they continued to put pressure on opposition batters all tournament.
“The Barramundis showed the world how good they were at fielding, with numerous catches that made highlight reels.
“Some players took catches while seeming to fly like Superman.
“Cricket PNG was put on the world map, with the Barramundis making headlines around the globe.”