Manoka stars in Tsunamis’ victory over hosts Tubusereia

By NATHAN WOTI
VISUALLY-impaired Pari villager David Manoka starred in Bigfoot Tsunamis’ victory over hosts Tubusereia No Fear Daromias in Cricket Papua New Guinea and ChildFund’s Hetura match on Friday.
He took three wickets in the mixed match and two in the men’s fixture to cap off a two-match rout of Tubusereia.
Coach Lega Toina said he was impressed by Manoka’s performance.
“He was definitely our top player today. He played really well in the last friendly at Pari and continued his solid form today,” Toina said.
“David used to be a shy kid because his parents had died while he was a child.”
Toina said this had affected Manoka growing up. But the coach praised the cricketer for coming out of his shell to showcase his talent.
“It’s great to see him talk with his teammates before and after the game. I think the sessions boosted his confidence,” he said.
Facilitator Gomea Lohia said Manoka was one of the shy youths who attended the ChildFund training sessions but showed huge signs of improvement.
“He didn’t like to ask things from people because he was too shy. But now he can talk with his teammates and ask people anything so that is a good start.”
Manoka was awarded with a ChildFund certificate and a cricket kit for his outstanding performance on the pitch.
The friendly match between the two villages ended Cricket PNG and ChildFund’s nine-week programme in schools and communities around Port Moresby and Central.