PMBL postpones 2021 season

THE Papua New Guinea Men’s Basketball League (PMBL) has postponed its 2021 season to a later date due to the resurgence of Covid-19.
PMBL chairman Alain Boussoungou said the competition was expected to start this month but that would not eventuate.
He said only two franchises — Moni Plus and Southern Flames — had expressed interest to compete in this year’s season.
But Boussoungou said the postponement of the season provide a window for other teams to secure sponsorship and prepare themselves.
“It is unfortunate that this pandemic is affecting everyone, including all the sports, in the country but our priority is the safety of our players and people in the game,” he said.
“We have been given one month of self-isolation.
“So hopefully when it clears up for everything to go back to normal, we will tip off the pre-season and season straight after.”
Boussoungou said there was a possibility of extending the competition to Lae this year.
“Basketball is played across the country, including villages,” he said.
“PMBL is the only semi-professional (basketball) competition in the country and it would be nice to see other centres also competing at that level, so that it gives clear indication on where the standard of the game is compared with Port Moresby.”
Boussoungou is also one of the national selectors and he is adamant that PMBL can lead the way in bringing teams from outside to compete in the elite competition.
“You need to compete with the best to improve your game,” he said.
“I see a lot of talents in the towns and rural areas, but they aren’t exposed well enough.”