Nines tourney eyes more teams

ORGANISERS of the Sportz Events Southern Nines have increased the slots for teams interested to compete in the Dec 8-12 tournament at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
The country’s biggest annual nines tournament, which started in 2004, will see an increase of 16 teams from the 64 that compete in last year’s edition.
Sportz Events director Solomon Ravu said the registration fee of K1,100 was due today.
He said so far, more than 40 teams had indicated their participation in the five-day event which is expected to attract teams from the National Capital District, Central and Gulf.
Ravu said K10,000 would go towards the tournament winners.
“Our competition is not about cash prizes,” he said.
“We’re all about establishing a pathway for youth development, especially those from the rural villages.”
Ravu said some Rigo and Aroma Coast villages usually held nines competitions as a lead-up to the tournament. “This tournament has gone from strength to strength. Some SP Hunters and Digicel Cup players like Gahuna Silas are playing with rural teams,” he said.
“Our tournament rules remain the same with regard to player eligibility.
“The tournament is only for youths who are from the region, whether part or full.
“We have advised teams not to register outsiders as they could be handed severe penalties like being omitted from the tournament.”