Nine Souths teams are in

 NINE teams have confirmed participation in this year’s National Souths Basketball League competition.

It is one of the largest annual competitions and eight other associations have yet to register for the October tournament in Port Moresby.

The teams confirmed are UPNG Souths, Welgris Souths, Sogeri Souths, Ialibu Souths, Kunigomo Souths, Kambiri Souths, Pesap Souths, Manjals, Popondetta Souths.

Other teams that have indicated interest but have yet to pay their registration fees are Hagen, Gobe Souths, Central Pangia, Original Nipa, Jiwaka Ames, HDGC Hela Souths, Pari Souths and Reunion Souths.

The league’s Silas Nicky said there were other teams that had indicated interest but had yet to confirm or register teams.

He said registration would close on Friday.

He said as a result of the independence celebrations the tournament had been deferred to October 4-7.

Nicky said team managers and manageresses of teams that would travel in from outside of Port Moresby must arrive a week in advance to prepare accommodation and other necessities.

He said the confirmed venues for the games would Ela Beach basketball court and Hohola basketball courts.

“The NSBL is fully affiliated with PNG Basketball Federation and we are pleased with the federation for accepting NSBL and to provide NSBL with technical assistance during the tournament,” he said. Sponsors or business houses willing to help can contact Nicky on 72681935 and 71146446.