Muruks set home venue for Digicel Cup games

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
THE Mendi Muruks board has confirmed that their home games will be played at the Joe Keviame Oval in Mendi.
Eric Alom, manager of the Petroleum-Resources Kutubu-sponsored side, told The National yesterday that their home games would be played in Mendi.
He said visiting teams should not be worried about safety and security as the province was in deep reconciliations with its stakeholders and people after man-made and natural disasters had devastated the province.
“Law-and-order issues are being resolved and we guarantee any team visiting will be safe as their safety and security is guaranteed,” Alom said.
“The Muruks are camped in Goroka because there are no proper facilities in Mendi.
“So we using the facilities available at the National Sports Institute for our preseason training ahead of the Digicel Cup season.”
He said Air Niugini flights had been suspended indefinitely but subsidiary links to Kagamuga Airport in Western Highlands were open to teams.
Alom said the Muruks were determined to restore their former glory.
“We finishing last on the table last year with management issues that led players wearing wrong jerseys among others things.
“But we are aware of such incidents.
“We appointed a new coach and management to correct and head the Southern Highlands franchise into the right path.”
He said Southern Highlands people loved their rugby league and it was the franchise’s duty to represent them to the best of their ability in the Digicel Cup.
“When it come to sports, our people unite and support the team,” Alom said.
“They put their differences aside so I urge all our fans and supporters to take responsibility when hosting our home games.
“The Muruks will better represent the province, unite its people and be a model team.”
Alom confirmed the release of head trainer Sova Milfred.