Jokers added to PMBL season

 PAPUA NEW GUINEA semi-professional basketball league tips of again when Propest Chariots and newcomers Moresby West Jokers face off at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex at 6pm tomorrow.

The Four confirmed franchises are champions Moni Plus Tamaraws, PNG Ports Saints, Chariots and the Jokers. 

Last season’s grand finalists Exodus are in doubting as they have yet to settle a K2,500 fine imposed on the club after rowdy fans broke two panel glasses at the indoor complex after the grand final between Tamaraws in March.

This was revealed by PMBL Commissioner during the Jokers Basketball Club launch at Grand Papua on Sunday.

Miro said the PMBL had accepted Jokers as the fourth club in the competition. 

Miro was invited by franchise owner Konio Aila Polo to witness the occasion on behalf of the league.

Jokers are under the guidance of coach Jack Ami and former international point-guard Fred Elavo including Elavo brothers Harold and Joe and Soi Beni who were formerly with the Tamaraws. 

The trio will lead a group of the talented youngsters in PNG juniors Garry Suve Holmes, Tom Mare and Wali Aila Polo.  

Jokers team trained together for two months under Ami and Elavo and are set to take the competition on at the elite level.

This will be a big test for the Jokers as Chariots have retained veteran Roy Gime, exciting young gun Jonathan Ruie, Morris Vele, Pekaea brothers Charlie and Ivan to lead their campaign.

The Chariots have former internationals Morris Asiba and Albert Moide as coaches.