Flames raise heat with star signings

 PAPUA New Guinea Men’s Basketball League champions, Southern Flames have acquired the services of two representative players to beef its campaign for the 2015 season.

The Southern Highlands franchise has snatched utility Apia Muri and guard Gabriel Elavo for the new season that is expected to tip off next month. 

Club president Kevin Teme said the two players were training with other squad members in preparation for a friendly international with the Solomon Islands national team in Honiara next month. 

The Southern Flames and the Solomon Islands national team will use the friendly challenge as part of their build-up for the PMBL season and July’s Pacific Games.

The Southern Flames, under John Kapi Natto and his iron-fist manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto, have won the semi professional basketball challenge in their inaugural year of participation.

The club won the minor premiers and then went on to win the best-of-three series final against Tamarraws.

According to match commissioner Larry Miro, teams confirmed for the 2015 season include the Flames, Tamarraws, Exodus, Chariots, Saints and Jokers.