Eastern Highlands Province 9s team 5Mile Spartans is set to take part in the challenge for the Southern Highlands Province 9s tournament to be held on the 22nd to the 26th of this month in Mendi.
The team 5Mile Spartans came about in Gahuku LLG, Goroka District and started their journey in the field five (5) years ago.
Ever since the team started taking part in tournaments, they always make it to the finals.
The team’s captain Steven Kimisive said it is a privilege to lead such a team that has produced some elites in the national rugby teams.
He admitted that being the team leader comes with great responsibility and expectations from team members and supporters as well.
“I am very excited and fortunate to be part of the SHP Rugby 9s tournament leading my team players so they can have an opportunity to expose their talents in the field” says captain Kimisive.
Team Spartans paid their registration fee of K1000 on the 29th of December, 2022 and have been preparing for the big game since then.
Although they’ve been busy with their trainings, they are also doing little fundraisings to raise funds for the team.
So far the team did not receive any funds from anyone or any organization so the little fundraisings they are doing will help them with travelling and other needs of the team.
Captain Kimisive said some of the challenges he faced as the team captain is when disciplining his team members who are older than him and also the struggle with financial issues.
Besides that, he believes that things will work out for them.
SP Hunters players Brandon Nima and Norman Brown started their rugby journey with 5Mile Spartans before joining the Hunters and that’s one thing the team always takes pride in.