Southern 9s only for players from region: Ravu

By JACK AMI
THERE are no restrictions on the number of elites players in a team for the Southern Region League Nines which runs from Dec 10-14 at Bava Park, according to an official.
The only restriction is that all players intending to compete in the tournament should be from the Southern region.
This tourney is run by the Ravu brothers — Ivan and Solomon — to provide a platform to youths in the Southern region expose showcase their skills.
The competition has proven to be a success, contributing players to clubs in the Port Moresby competitions and the Digicel Cup.
On Sunday, Sportz Events director Ivan Ravu said the tournament was open to Hunters and Digicel Cup players from the Southern region.
Ravu said that would allow young players from the rural areas to test themselves against some of the country’s finest players in order to develop their skills and raise the standard of the sport.
“We will not tolerate violence on and off the field,” he said.
“Teams, managements or players will be severely penalised (if they are found to be involved in violence).
“This event is for the Papuan children and we should play in the true Papuan spirit.
“It is not about winning the major prize but to expose our talent and be better players in future.”