NSBL set for tourney

By KEVIN TEME
PREPARATIONS for the 4th National Souths Basketball League tournament from July 15-17 in Madang are running reasonably well with the majority of Souths clubs around the country scheduled to attend.
Interested teams may contact NSBL president Silas Nicky on 7391 6931 or his deputy David Peter on 7114 6446 for further information.
But that will have to be done quickly with the deadline for the affiliation (K500 each team) due this Friday.
All fees must be deposited into the BSP account number 1003574637.
“We won’t be accepting cash payments or last minute deposits after the deadline,” Nicky said.
“All payment must be made before the deadline which is this Friday.”
Nicky, when setting the deadline of the fees, also  announced that the tournament would be spearheaded by John Kambual and Raymond Parankei of Madang.
Meanwhile patron of the NSBL and Mendi MP Pastor Isaac Joseph was pleased to support the idea of hosting the game in Madang.
“It’s not just about the game that we want to play or host.
“It is good because basketball is a family sport and bringing people out there makes it even better for them to learn and see the places and learn the different culture of various teams attending,”  Joseph said.
The Mendi MP also confirmed that the launching of the Mainland super six would also be held in Madang.
“With this Mainland super six, I believe basketball will go to another level just like the National Soccer League or the Digicel Cup.
“I am proud to say that we are looking forward to the launching that will coincide with the opening ceremony of the NSBL tournament in a fortnight’s time,” Joseph said.
The teams that are confirmed to participate at the NSBL championships are:Kawaso Souths, Yasaro Souths (Kutubu), Nipa Souths, Poroma Souths, Mendi Souths, Pesap Souths, Pangia Souths, Sugu Valley Souths (Erave), Tari-Hela Souths, Welgris Souths, Original Souths, BNM Engineering Souths, Jiwaka Souths, Kerowaghi Souths, Kundiawa,  Goroka Snax Souths, Henganofi Souths and Star Souths from Madang.
The other teams from Madang have not yet confirmed their sides but are expected to field four teams.
Nicky also confirmed that for the first time Port Moresby and Lae would be represented by Ela Beach Souths, CBL Nips Souths (Port Moresby) and Lae Snax Souths while Ramu Sugar Souths was also  added onto the list.
It is believed a lucrative amount of prize money will be on offer thanks to generous corporate sponsors and individuals that have come on board to back the tournament.