KAFANA OFF- SEASON LAUNCHED

The Kafana Off-season Rugby League in Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) was officially launched on Sunday 8th December in Goroka town.

One of the league’s key objectives is to affiliate Kafana Rugby League with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), ensuring that future sports programs receive official sanctioning.

The launch introduced a comprehensive five-year development program designed to cultivate talented athletes who can represent their community, district, and province in the nation’s semi-professional league. This program is themed “Say No to Violence, Drugs, and Alcohol.”

The event saw attendance from notable dignitaries, including representatives from PNGRFL, PNG NASP Chairman Koren Maso, Rural Police Commander Inspector Ben Neneo, and various community leaders. The official kick-off attracted thousands of spectators.

Highlands Region Sports Development Program Coordinator James Kundi highlighted the significance of this initiative as a vital step toward full affiliation with PNGRFL.

“In Eastern Highlands, we currently have only one sanctioned rugby league program, which is the Goroka Rugby League. Considering the growing population in the province, more rugby leagues must affiliate with PNGRFL. This will enable us to discover and develop raw talent into true ambassadors for both the province and the country,” he stated.

Twenty local sports clubs from nearby communities in the Goroka District of Eastern Highlands Province have joined the league, which features both male and female divisions, along with participation from under-sixteen schoolboys.

Patron Konisimo encouraged participating clubs, players, and coaching staff to uphold sportsmanship throughout the league.

“You may hear about our rugby stars in the country and admire their success, but it all begins with the right mindset. Stay committed, practice self-discipline, and maintain control. Avoid harmful behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, and you may one day become our next rugby star,” he advised.

Konisimo also pointed out that the Christmas season, while a time of joy, can sometimes lead to excessive celebrations that result in accidents or even loss of life, particularly among the youth. Nevertheless, he emphasized that initiatives like this league would keep youth engaged and provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to set up stalls, enabling meaningful Christmas celebrations.

“Christmas is a time to share, reconcile, reflect on our journey over the year, and strengthen family bonds,” he concluded.