Lahanis regroup for cup defence, name side

Sports

REIGNING Digicel Cup champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis are unfazed by the exodus of their talent over the off-season, as the team prepare determined to defend the title this season.
The Lahanis’ desire to claim back-to-back championship victories reminiscent of the franchise’s feat in 2010 and 2011 when the competition was then known as the B Mobile Cup.
Franchise owner Simon Sia announced a 35-man squad a long with a new coach.
Those Lahanis who left over the off-season include grand final hero five-eighth Tony Mark, speedster Amos Kafare, former captain John Arme Gand and utility back Pasu Awani, who were snatched up by Lae Snax Tigers.
Rangy forward Gene Markham and Buddy Jack have joined the Agmark Gurias, while nippy halfback Robin Soga is now in the Port Moresby Vipers camp.
Meanwhile, centre Brandon Nima and standoff Nick Hasu made the final SP PNG Hunters squad.
Coach and former Lahanis and Kumul captain Glen Nami has linked with the Mendi Muruks.
Despite the loss of premium talent, Sia said the club would still be well served by the talent that remained.
He said talismanic club captain Gonzella Urakusie was keen to lead the team into another grueling season in defence of the title.
Backing up the former Kumul forward would be talented fullback Jah Hogan, Jacob Gibbs, Isaac Patrick, Nuabe Kuipa, Norman Brown, Charlie Buka, Charlie Oliver and Steven Mandakai while the club had also acquired Mero Haveo, Marley Gibson, Joe Pipi and Joseph Mocke.
Assistant team manager Benji Filele Mote said the morale in camp was high because they club saw itself as the defending champions. Goroka Lahanis: Gonzella Urakusie (C), Absalom Lingas, Aeno Lasuwo, Ake Paluse, Alma Wobo, Avefa John, Bamo Gene, Charlie Buka, Charlie Oliver, Duncan Jean, Christopher Urakusie, Hane Benjamin, Isaac Patrick, Isaac Pup, Jacob Gibbs, Jacob Kepa, Jah Hogan, Jordan Millie, Joseph Mocke, Joseph Karara, Joseph Negio, Jogi Kakae, Kelly Sasuwo, Kumani Agumagu, Lawrence Suto, Lane Lepe, Mark Konga, Marley Gibson, Mero Haveo, Norman Brown, Nuabe Kuipa, Sefa Dait, Terry Umba, Clement Tine, Yani Sambusi, Zebedee Uruba; Coach: Umba Peter; Assistant Coaches: Gonzella Urakusie and David Koyapo; Head Trainer: Samu Sasama; Trainer: Alphonse Benny; Medical officer: Dr Lilian Pama; Physio: Bill Iyape; Team Manager: Simon Sia; Assistant Managers: Tom Pori and Benji Filele Mote.