Poroma Pigsah Nuggets, a local team from the Nipa-Kutubu District of Southern Highlands Province, has recently travelled to East Sepik Province to take part in the Agmark Sepik 9s tournament. They had a strong showing in the two-day event from October 25-26, finishing third and claiming a Bowl trophy.
The Nuggets has participated in previous tournaments and competed well, earning a reputation as one of the sides to beat. They’ve taken part in over ten tournaments and off-season competitions so far, both in Southern Highlands and outside of the province.
Since 2014, local businessman David Kelei, has been supporting the team with the aim of giving exposure to the budding talents to further their career and earn something. He not only sponsors rugby league but other sports as well, including community initiatives.
The team comprised a very young side, with the backing of a few experienced campaigners. The Poroma lads didn’t go to East Sepik to make up the numbers, but they put the tournament on notice and walked away with the third prize, securing the Bowl trophy.
Kelei’s main reason behind supporting the Poroma Pisgah Nuggets over the years is to give a second chance to those who didn’t do well in school to pick up a rugby ball and commit themselves to the code and make a living out of it.
The team held a small presentation ceremony in Kumin village within the vicinity of Mendi town to thank and acknowledge the players for their recent participation at the Agmark Sepik 9s tournament in Wewak.
On behalf of the Poroma Pisgah Nuggets, captain Solo Kita expressed the team’s gratitude and appreciation to David Kelei for his continued support. Kita said the team wouldn’t make it to the tournament without the strong support from Kelei.
“I would like to thank David Kelei for sponsoring us to take part in the Agmark Sepik 9s tournament. We are thankful to Kelei for his support," captain Kita said.
Mr. Kelei congratulated the Poroma Pisgah Nuggets on claiming the bowl and encouraged the boys to work hard, be committed, look after their bodies, and stay disciplined to continue their career.
The sponsor (David Kelei) pointed out that winning was not important, but he wanted to give an exposure to the boys, allowing them to enjoy the game, build friendships, make connections and become productive citizens.
“My intention as a sponsor is not to win a cup, plate, bowl or trophy but to expose our boys, including the girls. They have the potential to play rugby league, but there’s no support to expose their raw talents, that’s why I stepped in 2014 to support them,” Kelei said.
“My encouragement to the boys was not to win anything but to enjoy the game, expose themselves, make new friends, and extend network with other players.”
He also acknowledged Dr. Matthew Mongulap, Abe Hekai, Ronald Kelei, the defence force at Moem Barracks, and everyone who threw their support behind the Poroma Pisgah Nuggets.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kelei assured the Poroma Pisgah Nuggets that he would support them to take part in the Morobe Kande 9s in Lae. The players are preparing themselves and looking forward to the upcoming tournament in Morobe’s Capital.
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