Komboi puts up trophy for best player

BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA
NCDC Vipers operations manager Paul Komboi, pictured, sponsored the Port Moresby Rugby League Nines women’s player of the tournament trophy.
The former Vipers coach said women’s trophy would be named the Juina Margaret Komboi trophy with it awarded to the best player along with K1000.
Komboi said he was proud to co-sponsor the event alongside major and naming rights sponsor Mineral resources Development Company (MRDC).
“The player voted the best player over the tournament will receive the trophy,” Komboi said.
Komboi said the trophy was in memory of his late wife Junia.
“I decided to sponsor the award for the best player because my wife Junia was so passionate about sports. She supported me when I was a player and even played for Royals at the PRL when I was coach of the Vipers.
“My family wanted to sponsor an award in memory of our late mother and wife. I also wanted to give back to the sport because I’ve been involved in Port Moresby rugby league for a long time,” he said.
“The trophy would be in the recognition for her hardwork in supporting me during my sporting career as player, coach and sports administrator.”
Komboi said the women’s tournament did not have a specific award for best and fairest and he hoped to continue supporting the trophy every year.
“This year would be the first but if all goes well, every year the women’s best player’s trophy will be sponsored by my family.”
PRL 9s organisers confirmed that the trophy for women’s player of the tournament had been commissioned at Trophy Haus.
PRL official John Ambane thanked Komboi for his gesture and said players had another thing to aim for.
“It’s a nice boost for the women’s game and we are delighted to have Komboi family on board,” Ambane said.
MRDC Port Moresby 9s kicks off tomorrow while the PRL’s annual general meeting will be on Saturday.