This week saw the official Governor’s Cup Tournament (GCT) Trophy being handed over by the 2022 GCT Defending Champions Vanuwatu Dust Captain Mr. Solomon Pokari, to the Governor’s Cup Director Mr. Billy Aki and his Committee.
This was done to signify the start of another new season of the NCD Governor’s Cup Tournament.
The ceremony was joined by the NCDC Youth Coordinator Mr. Rex Buka, NCDC Youth Desk, Junior Thomas, Governor’s Cup Director Mr. Billy Aki and the Vanuwatu Dust (VanuDust) Captain Solomon Pokari.
Mr. Pokari expressed his gratitude to the GCT Committee for their commitment to the tournament and its achievement to maximize its efforts for youths to participate in NCD.
“This tournament has really involved youths to be more active in sports, restricting their focus in petty crimes, and helping them achieve more in life through rugby.”
“Our community team was successful to have 6 of our boys join intercity clubs such as the Hela Wigmen, Lae Snax Tigers and Port Moresby Vipers Rugby Club and we are happy for our boys,” said Mr. Pokari.
Furthermore, GCT Director Mr. Billy Aki stressed his plan to restructure the Governor’s Cup Tournament to be more influential and beneficial across NCD.
“We would like to raise the Governor’s Cup Sponsorship Amount to K300, 000 to offer more prizes for teams play during their competition in the Cup, Plate and Bowl trophy.”
“I feel it is right, and fair, to give back to the striving teams on their journey, they devote time and money to participate and should hold some form of leverage during their games,” said Mr. Aki.
The GCT Committee plans to accommodate 46 teams to participate in the GCT of 2023. Starting games are confirmed to take place at Koni Tigers Oval, Wiagani and the grand final will be held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Konedobu.
The Semi-final game’s location is set to be at Sir John Guise Stadium; however, it is still pending due to outstanding fees.
However, Mr. Aki stressed to postpone the GCT to the 10th or 11th of December due to the late approval from the NCD Governor, Powes Parkop.