Kikori making headlines in basketball

NESTLED in one of the remotest parts of the Gulf province is the district of Kikori which is surrounded with an intricate system of rivers and lush rainforests.
With its laid back character alongside the water ways, no one would have thought a competitive sport like basketball would thrive amongst the local population and be harnessed within the surrounding communities of the district as a choice sport.
Basketball in Kikori is more than just a sport, it is a way of life for these rural communities. For years, aspiring athletes of Kikori have dreamt of one day participating in a bigger and higher level competition, where their skill levels and their knowledge of the game would be put to test.
That dream came true this year, when a Kikori team was invited to participate in National Souths Basketball League (NSBL). A determined group of individuals came together to form the Kikori Souths, the town’s first-ever NSBL team led by coach Gibbons Maikai with a passion for nurturing young talent. The Kikori Souths embarked on a journey that would defy all expectations.
With limited resources and no prior NSBL experience, the team faced an insurmountable challenge to participate at this level.
Pressured by scepticism from outsiders who doubted their ability to compete at such a high level competition, the group only had one thing to prove apart from simply giving in to the pressure, and that was to prove their scepticism wrong.
Fuelled by their love for the game and the unwavering support of their community, the team took strides with the bold step to travel to Lae to be recognised as a contender in the 2024 NSBL tournament.

Kikori Souths first appearance in the NSBL was met with both excitement and nerves. Stepping onto the court against seasoned opponents, the side knew they had a mountain to climb.
Yet, with each passing game, they proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. Through sheer determination and teamwork, they surpassed all expectation advancing through the ranks and stunning spectators with their skill and tenacity.
Despite being newcomers to the NSBL, the Kikori Souths performance was nothing short of remarkable. In a cinderella story that captured the hearts of basketball fans across Papua New Guinea, they defied the odds to reach the championship game.
Facing off against a formidable opponent Usano Sura Souths they fought with every strength and spirit, showcasing the resilience and unity that had carried them this far.
Though they fell short of claiming the championship title, the Kikori souths emerged as proud runners-up of the NSBL, a testament to their unwavering dedication and determination.
Their remarkable achievement not only put Kikori on the basketball map but also inspired a new generation of young athletes to dream big and pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.
But their journey didn’t end there. As recipients of the ‘Connect PNG’ programme, the Kikori team received support and resources to further develop basketball infrastructure in their town, ensuring that future generations would have access to the same opportunities they enjoyed.
With their newfound platform and the lessons learned from their NSBL experience, they vowed to continue striving for excellence, knowing that the sky was the limit for Kikori Souths.