With excitement building, the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Challenge is officially set to kick off on November 1st, 2024, immediately following the close of registration on October 30th.
Organizers report that the response from teams and supporters has been immense, sparking anticipation across Port Moresby.
“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to our recent post about the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Challenge and would like to provide further details to clarify some points—our competition officially kicks off on November 1st,” an official social post reads, inviting fans and teams to stay tuned as preparations ramp up.
The competition will be hosted across four main venues: Northwest games at Ipi Park, Hohola; Northeast at Bomana Police College Field; South Side at Bava Park; and Motu Koita matches at Kone Field. For the first time, 20 tertiary teams from Port Moresby have been invited, though their venue is still being finalized, with an update expected soon.
Organizers have planned a phased tournament structure. According to their socials, “The Northwest, Northeast, and Tertiary divisions will commence immediately after registration closes, followed by the Motu Koita and South Side divisions.”
This scheduling, they added, “will allow ample time to complete all matches efficiently.”
The top three teams from each of the five divisions will secure a place in the grand finals, as the stakes are high, with prizes up for grabs: K10,000 for first place, K5,000 for second, and K3,000 for third.
The final match showdown will take place at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, with all finals matches live streamed on social media, thanks to Rebel Media Productions Limited.
Youth engagement is a major focus of the event, as organizers encourage teams to include players aged 16 to 23, creating opportunities for emerging talent. Each team can include a maximum of three current or former Digicel Cup players to balance experienced and upcoming players.
“We’re proud to be sponsored by our platinum sponsors, Rigo Rice Limited and Kendekali Lawyers.”
“We encourage teams to field youth players between the ages of 16 and 23, as this will increase their chances of being scouted for opportunities abroad.”
“Each team may include a maximum of three Digicel Cup players (former or current), ensuring a platform for emerging talent to shine.”
An awareness campaign led by local rugby star Ase Boas is set to begin on Monday, October 28th, leading up to the tournament’s start.
For those interested, organizers have set up convenient registration points and contacts, noting that teams that have registered should pick up their player registration forms at their office.
For more details, reach out via Facebook or WhatsApp at 71561688, or visit their office at Copy Tek Place, Gordon’s in Port Moresby.