Kawa: Vipers can win crown

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Vipers forward Ade Kawa says he is honoured to have captained the side over the last two Digicel Cup seasons.
The 27-year-old told The National last week that the Vipers had recruited experienced and senior players this season but was humbled to have led the team.
Kawa led a side that featured SP Hunters and Papua New Guinea Kumuls stars Ase Boas, Enoch Maki, Stargroth Amean and Thompson Teteh, into their first finals appearance in six years.
The Vipers finished fourth in the 12-team competition and bowed out in the second week of the finals with an 8-12 semifinal loss to eventual premiers Hela Wigmen.
Kawa, whose dad is from Daru, Western, and mother from Mendi, Southern Highlands, is a police constable and training instructor at the Bomana Police College outside Port Moresby.
The second-rower is a product of the Yaken Offseason League in Mendi. After winning the league in 2015, Kawa was part of the team headed for the Ipatas Cup at Aipus Oval in Wabag.
It was at the Ipatas Cup that Kawa caught the eyes of Hela Wigmen scouts. He made his Digicel Cup debut with the Wigmen in 2016.
He later joined the Mendi Muruks in 2017 and had a short stint with them before being accepted to attend the Bomana Police College.
Kawa graduated from the college in early 2018 and immediately joined the Vipers.
“I grew up all my life in my mother’s place in Mendi,” he said.
“A lot of people think I am a full Southern Highlander but I am also from Daru where my father is from.
“Leading the Vipers this season has been a great experience for me.
“It is special when you get the opportunity to lead experienced and senior players like Ase, Stargroth, Thompson and Enoch.
“Like my teammates, I’m am thrilled that we reached the finals this year.”
Kawa said the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary had made it easier for him to juggle rugby league and his job at the same time.
“It’s not that complicated,” he said.
“I’m enjoying the challenge of working and playing at the same time.
“I’m grateful to the constabulary.
“They always make things easy for officers who are athletes like myself.
“I can perform my duties as well as attend training and matches with the Vipers.”
Kawa said his short-term goal was to win a premiership with the Vipers.
“We fell short this year but there is always next season,” he said.
“For myself, I want to win a title with this team before I retire.
“With the team we have and how we played this year, I think we have a great opportunity to make it happen.
“We just have to maintain the momentum heading into next season.”