By Podi Vai – EMTV News Cadet Journalist, Port Moresby
Despite the challenges faced, the 2018/19 Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup is ready to finish off the tournament on a high note.
In a media conference yesterday, Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup CEO, Timothy Lepa said the tournament has been progressing well.
So far, challenges have been completed for Western Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands, Kainantu, NCD and Morobe. While Enga and Southern Highlands games are yet to be completed this week.
Lepa also expressed his excitement with the inclusion of teams from New Guinea Islands, East Sepik and Western as this will add a different dimension to the popular off-season tournament.
A total of twenty-four gold passes were given out, with 18 teams winning the gold pass to qualify, while six mercy passes will be given to teams which Lepa deems have legitimate reasons to progress.
After the challenges are completed, 24 teams will be split into two ends. In the western end in Goroka, twelve teams will battle it out, while the other 12 in Minj from the Eastern end for the final four places to be crowned.
According to Lepa, the finals will be played in neutral ground to avoid conflict.
The tournament organisers are hoping the finals will be held early February
