Talent picked for softball programme

AFTER 43 years the Papua New Guinea Softball Federation continues its aim to unite the people who want to play the sport on a competitive level.
Junior development is a key component in softball’s strategic plan which addresses the areas of talent development and the rising stars programme will ensure that the future stars of the game are identified and developed.
The pathways to the elite levels of softball continue to be a priority for the federation.
The launching of the rising stars junior trials took place in Port Moresby last Saturday was hailed a success given that it had taken almost 23 years since the PNGSF facilitated the last junior programme under the mentorship and leadership of programme patron Chris Bais. As part of the junior development programme players selected from its rising stars junior softball championships will get a chance to represent PNG at the Australian Under-23 state championships in Brisbane next year.
The development pathway brings rewards to the players as scholarships will be on offer.
The next age group that PNG softball is targeting are the U16s with a national tournament next year as well.
International softball events in Cairns, Brisbane, Canberra and other parts of Australia will be an avenue that PNGSF will use to send PNG’s U23 and U18 national teams.
The PNGSF named its first rising stars national train-on teams.
The sides were picked from junior trials in Port Moresby. More players from other centres will be added to the U23 squads identified from the national softball club championships.
U23 Men: Darryl Palanga, Donald Chan, Milton Pilak, Francis Gau, Ronald Rangrang, Danzel Apelis, Byron Bart, Eltony Daple, Reynald Pilak, Michael Vailala, Alphonse Pomahun, Albert Dalala, Albert Gime, Enoch Nentepa, Jack Tarasomo, Dougie To Albert, Norman Walaun, Samson Vodu, Enos Tavul, Kenneth Moses, Gustine Raphael, John Kinit Jr; U23 Women: Talitha Tarasomo, Juliet Seri, Rosalia Apelis, Maddona Wam, Christine Raphael, Valerie Aipung, Fransisca Kinit, Genevive Vailala, Rangin Ropa, Tannisha Soweni, Salome Vailala, Elisaberth Piskaut, Mistil Jerry, Damaris Palanga, Aida Pondriket, Alphonsa Moe, Michelle Bart, Mobin Renson.