Gereka GIG optimistic, looking to next season

GEREKA GIG are optimistic about their volleyball title hopes next season despite losing 2-3 to Kapua in the DataCo Cup men’s premier grand final in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Despite going down 2 sets to 3 in the premier men’s grand-final, the Gereka GIG volleyball club remain positive following an irregular year of competition in the newly established Manubada volleyball association.
GIG captain and former national representative Jeffery Charles praised the Manubada Volleyball Association-run competition for providing a platform for young talents to excel.
“Most of the players in our team are villagers,” he said.
“But as a senior player, I’m impressed with how they stepped up this season.
“All three of our GIG teams reached their respective finals but we were not worried about the results.
“This is good enough for us and we’ll be ready next time around.
“It was a special year for us because when the Covid-19 pandemic had forced the closure of all sporting venues, we brought the matches to Gereka.
“Having matches at home was good because everyone enjoyed themselves and we renewed the interest of young people back at home.
“The association has also stepped in to assist three of our young players with their education — that’s a first for us.
“We’re grateful that the competition has recognised our young people and given back to them.”
Charles said they were grateful that the association was mindful of the welfare of young people in the competition.
“It shows how networking through sports can help develop lasting legacies,” he said.