Mission accomplished as Courts retain men’s title

By ISAAC LIRI
AN extra-time goal by Courts’ Chris Mission sealed a 3-2 victory over the Blue Kumuls in the Goroka Soccer Association grand final at the National Sports Institute on Sunday.
Courts wasted no time when striker Andrew Joe found the back of the net in the second minute to put the defending champions on the front foot.
Moments before halftime, Courts striker Randy Nake was on target as he pushed their lead out to 2-0.
But the Blue Kumuls hit back with two goals in the second half to keep their title hopes alive.
Courts looked nervous but held on to clinch the winner in extra time.
“The win is a result of the players’ preparation all season,” Courts skipper Philip Mondo said.
“With help from club owner Chris Norive, the players were a good position to come this far and win. I would also like to thank our opponents.
“They gave us a really good challenge.
“We lost focus a bit in the second half and they (Blue Kumuls) fought back.
“Before we went into extra time, I reminded the players to remain calm and play our normal style of football.”
Norive said maintaining a six-year grand final winning legacy was a milestone for Courts.
He said they were champions when Goroka Soccer Association and Goroka Football Association was operating under one umbrella.
Norive then decided to affiliate his club with the Goroka Soccer Association.