Inaugural Coffee Cup set to go

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE inaugural Coffee Cup kicks off next week with the aim of helping develop players for Digicel Cup outfit Waghi, according to founder and Kerowagi MP Bari Palma.
He said in Port Moresby yesterday that the 32-team tournament would see sides from all over Kerowagi, Jiwaka and other parts of Chimbu taking part in the rugby league initiative.
Palma said despite Kerowagi having talented rugby league players, they could not further their careers in the sport due to drug and alcohol abuse.
“Youths in my electorate have what it takes to progress in rugby league but drugs and alcohol are our worst problem,” Palma said.
“I initiated this tournament to get these youths involved in the game and provide a platform for them to realise their potential. I will arrange for scouts of Digicel Cup teams like Waghi Tumbe or Simbu Warriors to attend the six-week tournament.
“This tournament will be an annual event and our aim is to get our youths doing something productive. We also want to market their talent to semi-professional sides.”
Palma said the tournament would be funded by Kerowagi Development Holdings, a business arm of the district.
He said the sponsor had put in K150,000 to run the tournament.