Tumbe campaign in doubt

 THE WAGHI Tumbe’s entry into the 2016 Digicel Cup is in doubt as the Jiwaka team has still to secure a major sponsor 

Former chairman and now an ordinary board member, Frank Goi, said the board of Waghi Tumbe had not secured the K500,000 registration fee, with the start of the competition only three weeks away.

He said Governor Dr William Tongamp had given an assurance that the provincial government would continue to back the franchise but that depended on funding made available from the Treasury department in Waigani.

Goisaid Waghi Tumbe had been absent from inter-city league competitions for 15 years and he worked hard to revive and enter it in the last Digicel Cup season.

“Last year we successfully completed the season, coming out sixth among the 11 teams.

“It was a new team but did very well under the sponsorship of the Jiwaka provincial government and leadership of Governor  Tongamp.”

Goi said Coral Sea Gold Limited was supposed to have been the major sponsor of the Tumbe but provided no support last year as all funding was from the provincial government.

“Now we have three weeks to go before the competition starts and I’m worried that the Waghi Tumbe still don’t have a major sponsor.”

Goi said because of his work in the provincial administration, he had to forego his role as the board chairman but expected the board to secure a sponsor for the team.

He questioned why the new board chairman had not called any meeting to discuss sponsorship and other crucial preparations for the 2016 season.

“Wahgi Tumbe is not owned by a political party, an individual or a business; it is the pride of Jiwaka. 

“The board must give more time to ensure it continues.”