Warriors eager to make top five

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Wednesday 4th January 2012

By KEVIN TEME
KONGO Coffee Warriors have vowed to make it into the Digicel Cup finals this year despite missing out last season.
However, Warriors chairman Jerry Kapka said yesterday they needed the support of the people of Chimbu to take the team forward this season.
“This is a provincial team and we need good support. Last year, there were promises of donations but they never came through and it was costly exercise for my company, Kongo Coffee Ltd,” he said.
 “Warriors will be a force to be reckoned with this year but to run a franchise club is very costly and we need the support of everyone.
“Since it is a provincial team let’s all work together this season.”
Unfortunately, Warriors’ hopes of making it into the top five failed when they were denied hosting two games in Kundiawa, their home ground.
They were also fined K10,000 for players’ misconduct during one their matches at home that brought the game into disrepute.
It was also in breach of the PNG National Rugby League (PNGNRL) constitution.
Kapka said he would not be actively involved with the club this year due to work commitment but he was willing to assist in any way possible if the need arose.
He is appealing to business houses, politicians in PNG to put their differences aside and work together and support the Warriors this year.
“Warriors are one of the best teams in the highlands region and PNG and hungry to be champions if given the proper support,” Kapka said.
PNG NRL general manager Hubert Warupi said yesterday the competition was expected to kick off on April 22.
However, he also noted that the Chimbu franchise had yet to confirm their participation this season. Warupi said they had until the end of this month to do so.
The launch of the competition will be held two weeks before the competition starts.