Kokopo in doubt

 By HENRY MORABANG

HOST Kokopo is among defaulters who have yet to confirm participation at the upcoming National Softball Club Championships to be staged there over the Independence weekend. 

After the deadline, which lapsed last Friday, only nine men’s and 10 women’s teams had confirmed participation for the championships. 

Kokopo is among the notable omissions and others include Rabaul Country, Buluminski and Kavieng. 

Apart from that the PNGSF is hopeful that teams from Tabubil, Ramu, Vanimo will still make the final deadline. 

PNG Softball Federation president Chris Bais said the federation had extended the deadline to August 23 in the hope more softball associations confirmed participation.  

Bais warned those teams had until this Friday to pay K600, which includes a penalty fee of K100. 

The PNGSF has issued a directive not to entertain any late payments after the final deadline. Teams eligible to take part are:

Men: Port Moresby –  PNG Power, United Brothers, Bears, Lae – Manalos, MT Hagen – New Guinea Islands – Melpa Rovers, Tabubil – Mixmates, Kimbe – West Manalos, Kopex,

Women: Port Moresby – United Sisters, Bears, Stingerz, Wantoks; Lae – Manalos, Stormers, Mt Hagen – Titans, Melpa – Rovers, Kimbe – Brown Eagles, NBPOL Mosa, 

Bais indicated the announcement of a lucrative sponsorship for this sanctioned tournament would be made at a later date. 

The federation called on hosts East New Britain Softball League to ensure they complied with directives and ensured their top three teams registered this week. 

Kimbe is the only association that has registered its teams from the New Guinea Islands region so far for the competition.