Tumbe recruit veteran forward Kokote from Mioks

The National Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
WAGHI Tumbe’s pack has been bolstered for the upcoming Digicel Cup season with the recruitment of veteran forward and former Enga Mioks skipper Supa Kokote.
Tumbe chairman Paul Tumun told The National yesterday that the former Goroka Lahanis and Mioks front-rower would replace Daniel Pai, a mainstay of the club, who left last week.
He said Pai had joined reigning champions Hela Wigmen.
Tumun said he was confident that Kokote would fill the void created by the departure of Pai.
“Pai has been a mainstay in pack over the years,” he said.
“But he has left to join the Wigmen.
“So we had to find a replacement quickly.
“Kokote was available and we invited him to join us.
“He arrived in Minj this week and he is in training with rest of the squad.
“Supa is one of the most experienced forwards in the Digicel Cup
“He will definitely fit in as a great replacement for Pai.
“His inclusion will boost the pack.
“We have good forwards like Koso Badi and others, so I am confident that they will form a formidable pack this year.”
Kokote has played two grand finals ­— as a Goroka Lahani against 2013 winners Port Moresby Vipers and as an Enga Miok against 2018 champions Lahanis.
The 31-year-old, from Akameku village in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, is aiming to win his first Digicel Cup title.
Meanwhile, Tumun said their pre-season camp had been positive following the recruitment of upcoming players.
He said the new recruits had gelled well with the old players in the squad.
Tumbe fell short of the playoffs last season.