Crocodiles cashed up
The National, Wednesday March 5th, 2014
By JACK AMI
GULF Isapea had a large chunk of their 2014 expenses taken care of after Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) forked out K500,000 for their Digicel Cup campaign yesterday.
The sponsorship from Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) started in 2011 with yesterday’s amount doubled from last year’s K250,000.
This is expected to boost the Isapea’s campaign as they head into their fourth year in the semi-professional competition.
The other sponsors are Prima Small Goods (K110,000) and Civpac (K100,000).
Energy World is yet to confirm its sponsor amount, with others also showing interest.
These has increased the sponsorship secured so far to K710,000.
The franchise was created to give young Gulf men or players with strong links to the province to test their skills in the country’s elite competition.
It is also the best financial shape the franchise has been in which augurs well for the team as they try to improve on their lowly finish in the last three years.
MRDC managing director Augustine Mano confirmed that the same amount would be provided to Mendi Muruks through the Community Relationship Programme between Southern Highlands and Gulf province.
Mano said that the two provinces through PRK from MRDC are the beneficiaries of the funding provided to lift the standard for players and game.
Gulf Governor and Isapea patron Havila Kavo was proud that a national company like PRK through the MRDC was looking after the interests of Gulf and Southern Highlands sport.
Kavo said this would enable the club to improve their performances.
He said Inter Oil had given assurances to develop the field in Kerema for home games.
Isapea chairman Jacob Ivaroa said the sponsorship would boost the morale and give the club and players more incentive to perform.
The money would go to purchasing uniforms and equipment and as well as match payments.
He said the players are currently training at the Sir William Skate Oval in Kaugere.
The upgrading and development of the oval would start as soon as the contractors are secured through additional funding from the Gulf provincial government.