Digicel Cup being digitised: Hondina

DIGITAL improvements are one aspect of development that will be featured in this season’s Digicel Cup.
PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina mentioned this among some key changes to the semi-professional competition at the release of the 2019 draw on Tuesday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
“We want the Digicel Cup to rise to another level and every year we are improving,” Hondina said.
“I think the main improvement this year is how we digitalise the game,” Hondina said.
“Basically we want to operate like the QRL and everything we’re doing must be similar to what’s happening at that level, that’s the way forward.
“So we’ve invested in video cameras so all franchises will have the necessary equipment to help with post match video reviews.
“When the coaches attended a conference last month we installed the Fair Play software on their laptops that will help them capture all highlights of the game.”
Another improvement is the live scoring system that will be used in all matches all across the country.
“Tablets have been given out and our match officials will be updating scores live so wherever you are around the world, you will have access to the live scores.”
Meanwhile, Hondina confirmed the 12 participating teams: Lae Snax Tigers, Agmark Gurias, Fortuna Fresh Central Dabaris, PRK Gulf Isou, PRK Mendi Muruks, NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, Kimbe Cutters, JPG Waghi Tumbe, Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles, EPG Enga Mioks, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Kroton Hela Wigmen. Following the footsteps of the QRL, the Digicel Cup will use a top-six finals format this year with a total of 23 games — each club will play nine home and nine away games during the regular season.
The official launch of the Digicel Cup will be on Wednesday, April 3 in Port Moresby three days before the first round kicks off on April 7 (Sunday).
All clubs have their home grounds in their respective province while the four teams, Wigmen, Dabaris, Isou and Vipers will be using the NFS as their home ground.