Port Moresby Vipers challenged to do better

PORT Moresby Vipers have been challenged to give their sponsors a return on investment by winning more games and finishing higher up the ladder in the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
The Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers had a strong pre-season, winning all their trial matches in the nation’s capital. The 2013 premiers will face their first challenge of the season when they host Kimbe Cutters at the Oil Search National Football Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm kick-off).
Vipers chairman Dr Newton Albert challenged his players to finish better than last season where they bowed out in the semifinals with an 8-12 loss to eventual champions Hela Wigmen.
“The Vipers have received overwhelming support from their sponsors this year,” Albert told the players during the club’s season launch at City Hall yesterday.
“We want you to give back to the sponsors and win more games, play hard and finish better than last year.
“We were heartbroken after we were eliminated in the semifinals last year because we worked hard all season, but we fell short. For this season, we must aim to go one step further and even win the title.”
Coach Leonard Tarum also shared the same sentiments as Albert.
“We are very thankful to our sponsors like Moni Plus, J Mart, National Capital District Commission and many others for having confidence in the team and what we stand for,” he said. “I want you players to give your best this year and make the sponsors happy.
“It has been a good pre-season for us and I am confident that we are ready.”
New captain and former Kumul Thompson Teteh backed his men to step up to the challenge.
He said he believed the Vipers would do well this year.