It is with great sadness that the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has come to learn that PNG Kumul #48 Napoleon Bangkoma had suddenly passed on last week Monday 3rd October 2022.
PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League to late Napoleon Bangkoma’s family as he was one of the pioneer great players who represented the country.
“Our sincere condolences to the family of the late Napoleon and we can only pray for strength and comfort to the surviving family members during this time of sorrow,” Mr Tsaka said.
PNGRFL Chairman Mr Sandis Tsaka said that the game acknowledges the contribution of our early pioneers who have contributed to the rich history of our sport which is interwoven with the history of our nation.
“To be a Kumul is a great privilege accorded to a select few who have over the years built a huge legacy and heritage that the new generation can look to build on, and we thank Kumul Bangkoma and our earlier pioneers who built a great foundation for the sport,” Mr Tsaka acknowledged.
Bangkoma was selected in the 1979 Uve Sabumei coached-side that took on France in Albi, he played as a second rower.
Born on 1st January 1954 in Aiyura in the Eastern Highlands Province, the late Kumul was from Anamunampa village in the Obura-Wonenara District.
He was born third in line of 6 children, 5 males and one female.
He was married to Ete Bangkoma and they had three beautiful children, daughter Doreen, and two sons Koma and Naidus.
At the time of the late Kumul’s sudden death, he was employed at the Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AAMES).
“Late Napoleon Bangkoma joined Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School in 2018 after retirement from Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). He was our welding instructor and machinist,” said Mr Cedric Agion, Chief Executive Officer of AAMES.
“He has worked in our workshops since his recruitment. The reason for his recruitment with the school was to have him train our new aircraft maintenance engineers welding skills and safety workshop practices. We have lost a very skilful instructor,” Mr Agion sadly said.
On behalf of the Highlands Confederate, including former Kumuls and current players and the league fraternity in the Highlands region, Highlands Confederate Director Joe Tokam expressed sincere condolences to late Napoleon Bangkoma’s families in Aiyura Valley in Kainantu.
Kumul #170 James Kops also conveyed his sympathy. “It is indeed a very sad moment for the rugby league family for the loss of one of the legends of the greatest game of all, rugby league,” Mr Kops said.
“The news of the passing of Mr Napoleon Bangkoma Kumul #48, he is one of the many that laid his body, heart and soul for the love of this great game that we all enjoy and part take. I was fortunate to meet him in Kainantu just recently before his passing. On behalf of my family, fellow former Kumuls and the former players of this great game, I salute you and farewell you. May his soul rest in peace.”
Kumul #197 and former Kumuls Coach, who is also the current East New Britain Governor, Honourable Michael Marum has conveyed his condolences to the late Napoleon Bangkoma’s family.
“Anyone who had the privilege to put on the national jersey whether at home or away, and played one or more matches, won or lost, played with pride,” Governor Marum said.
Late Napoleon Bangkoma was 68 years old when he passed, his body will be laid to rest in Aiyura tomorrow.