Kala the go-to man

By KEVIN TEME
SIBONA Kala is no ordinary basketballer and his commitment and dedication to the sport has made him to be one of the best guards in the PNG national team to the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia.
Kala, 25, is the third youngest of five children, and is ready to lead the PNG team to the 14th Pacific Games and he is confident the team will do well.
The team has been in camp since June under the supervision of coach Ferdinand ‘Boyet’ Daroya and are aiming to give a good account of themselves on the court.
Being a student at university (Unitech) and playing basketball to a high standard has its challenges but the talented guard has developed a skill set that puts him ahead of the pack.
Kala made his international debut with the Papuan Blacks that took part in the Far North Queensland All Stars basketball tournament in Cairns last year.
He was the runner-up in the FNQ Slam Dunk competition and impressed fans and officials with his attitude and competitiveness.
Kala has a sporting family background.
Elder sister Diana Lahari is the former PNG Pepes netball representative while younger brother Donald is also an up and coming basketball star.
Father Major Sere Kala is the general secretary of the Basketball Federation of PNG.
Sibona calls the moves on court with Joe Elavo, Peter Davani, Apia Muri, Charles Parapa and are the starting five for PNG.
Daroya said the team was preparing well.
“I am confident we will do well because we have a good mixture of players now compared to the past.
“We have height all over the court to be competitive.
“The boys have been in camp since June so we are pretty much confident of doing well in the games,” he said.