Moresby-based Gurias head to base for Digicel Cup pre-season

By JACK AMI
PORT Moresby-based Jeremy Tambai, Andickson Yamason and Rex Kaupa have returned to Rabaul Gurias for the Digicel Cup pre-season.
Former SP Hunters, Goroka Lahanis, Gulf Isou and Central Dabaris playmaker Nicky Hasu has also joined the Agmark-sponsored franchise’s train-on squad.
University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) medical student Tambai said his priority was education.
Identified by Kumuls head coach Michael Marum during the UPNG Nines, the 22-year-old joined the Gurias last season, but he was based in Port Moresby due to study commitments.
“My priority was education, so when I was called up by the Gurias, I had to check my schedule to see whether I was free,” Tambai said.
“On that understanding, I was given an opportunity to play.”
The Enga native, who also plays for Moresby South Blacks in the Southern Super League National Gaming Control Board Cup, said his parents and relatives had been supporting him as a self-sponsored student.
“But I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko who had advised that he would assist me,” he said.
“I thank Tkatchenko for his positive response.”
Tambai said he was determined to help Blacks win the inaugural league “as this is where I grew up as a child from Kaugere before moving to Joyce Bay”.
Blacks chief executive Bagelo Solien said Tambai was disciplined and committed player who had the potential to excel at the elite level.