Players can pick centre of origin

 By HENRY MORABANG
THE Papua New Guinea Softball Federation will allow players to play for their centre of origin in the National Softball Championships in Kokopo over the Easter weekend.
Vice president and tournament director Ralp Tarasomo said affiliates and stakeholders must be informed that all federation sanctioned tournaments were conducted under its constitution, which was consistent with International Softball Federation rules and regulations.
He said the federations had in past years allowed for players to appear for their centre of origin if both associations agreed.
Tarasomo said that agreement was then communicated to the  national body before the games.
He said the federation expected executives to manage this issue well as they had the first choice in selecting their best players.
But, he said, this only applied for the national titles.
He warned that player flexibility was for the national championships only and not club championships.
“For the club championships the players can’t play for any other clubs except for the one you have played for during that season,” he said.
Tarasomo said Madang had pic­ked up Port Moresby-based players solely based on the decision that was reached by the Port Moresby club delegates meeting on Monday not to include those players in the Port Moresby side.
In  Madang softball, the Koniaks have confirmed they will take part in the national championships.
The association will only send a men’s team as they have just started their competition.
The levy for the players is K600 and that must be paid by April 4.
The Madang Softball Assocaiton is appealing to all business houses and individuals to financially support the ‘Madang Koniaks’ and go to Yabong Park to support the sport.
The local competition in progressing well despite the late start to the competition. The teams taking part are: Men:  09ers, Newtown Tigers, KBB Reds, Colts and Newtown Jets. Women:  09ers, Newtown Tigers, Diwai Sweepers 1 and 2.
The Madang Softball Association will compete is final when the team returns from Kokopo.
The Koniaks will consist of players from Madang and Port Moresby. The squad members: Joel Petau, Jnr (Tabubil) Kolie Yadiwilo (Lae) Chris Karl, George Petau, Willie Upaupa, Al­ex Airem, Buka Ene, Mathew Pokanau, Hondo Bart,Jnr (Madang) Sailas Darius, Meli Taragau, Mika Zale, Taki Zale, Britton Zale, Kelly Upaupa, David Upaupa, Collin Magot (POM) Luxton Zale, Ismael Marnapal, Desmond Zale, Noki Kopi, Donald Chan, Ephraim Kepa and Warrent Kakat (Officials).