Gigira Laitepo backs Souths league club

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

A TEN thousand kina morale booster from Gigira Laitepo Morobe United FC franchise has given a new lease of life on Souths to beat top team Brothers 14-12 in Port Moresby A grade rugby league on Sunday.

Souths club coach Tom Tiki described the sporting gesture between different sporting codes as quite rare and on behalf of the ailing club gave the thumbs up for the timely gift.  

“It certainly went down well with the players causing a major upset on the inform club in the competition,” Tiki said.

Souths led 10-6 at half time, and then totally shut out the brethren with their sole second-half try to Clement Yambo to edge out the latter.

Brothers to their credit showed some fight but could only manage a four pointer to Ian James for the loss. 

Tiki said the donation came at a time of need as they have been struggling financially for the past two seasons.

“The contribution by our Hela brothers will help us greatly in solving a lot of our administrative issues through weekly medicals, strapping, ice and other general needs to support the players week in week out.”

“Our club has a long history for providing an avenue for young men from Southern and Hela provinces to aspire to become sporting icons,” he said.

“Souths has produced class players in the likes of Alex Haija, Charlie Wabo, Robert ‘hitman’ Tia, David Kaiabe, Joseph Omai (pictured), Johnson Kuike, Geno Kima and current Mendi Muruks rake Welma Jerrick to name a few that have worn the jersey with pride,” Tiki said.

Club secretary Ralph Joromo chimed in to thank the soccer franchise as it has lifted a huge burden off their shoulders and indicated they are open for potential major sponsors to come on board.