CTPM off to tourney

By KEVIN TEME
PREPARATIONS are on target for National Touch Football champion association, Corporate Touch Port Moresby (CTPM) to send a 25-member team to the 18th Annual Sports and Cultural Festival in Brisbane, Australia, at the end of this month.
Despite not having sufficient funds CTPM are focused on fielding a side in the open men and mix divisions in this year’s Australian Indigenous touch football tournament from Nov 25-27.
National open men’s coach Martin Joffey and his assistant Michael Imo with the help of the open women’s coach John Bonot are now working to secure enough funds for the trip.
The players have also been levied K2,000 each  to help pay for the trip.
Joffey said as a fund raising drive, a cleanathon will be held next weekend.
The squad announced by CTPM executives is Jeremy Aidaboe, Paul Kasisie, Robinson Kaisisie, Eugine Eka, Uari Sarufa, Morris Walter, Francis Alu, Kele Lessy, Norman Vavona, Charlie Rupa, Murray Gideon and skipper Tonny Williams.
Female player Joylene Tikot leads the women with Eva S, Leumi Luli, Joan Aidaboe, Maria Alu, Ivannie Geno, Natalie and Ivannie Geno for the open mixed team.
Joffey said the team’s travel depended on the funds received from sponsors as well as the players’ levy fees.
“This is the best opportunity to prepare these young players, who have come up through the ranks, for the 2015 Pacific Games.
“It is the right step leading towards 2015,” Joffey said.
“For PNG touch football, it is a step in the right direction to give such young talent the opportunity to experience playing a leading nation like Australia.”
Joffey also confirmed that four of their overseas-based players would join the team in Brisbane.
Individuals or corporate supporters wanting to help the team can contact Martin Joffey on 7100 0799.