Lahanis get new coach

GOROKA Lahanis have reappointed Gonzella Urakusie as the head coach for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season following the parting of former coach Charlie Wabo to Port Moresby Vipers.
Franchise manager Tom Pori said yesterday that Urakusie was stood down in 2023 due to disciplinary issues.
However, Pori said the management was happy to welcome former SP Hunter back as the head coach.
“Gonzella Urakusie is our head coach again and we are happy to have him back,” Pori said.
“He was the coach for the last couple of seasons but we asked him to step aside in 2023 due to disciplinary issues and that’s why Charlie Wabo was recruited to take charge last year.
“But now that Charlie has joined the Vipers, we are just happy to bring Gonzella back.”
Despite the smooth transition of coaches, Pori said the Lahanis were rebuilding their squad after four players followed Wabo to the Vipers and three aging players were dropped by the team, which brings a total loss of seven players.
The players who joined the Vipers were Tassy Kawage, Palangat Kanini and Lanike Poi while the three aging players were Charlie Buka, Kumani Agumagu with another not mentioned.
“We are rebuilding the team because after Charlie Wabo left, four players also left and three more players were asked leave the team,” he said.
“But we are flexible, we have enough young talents from the development squad to draw from so we are confident.”