The Ipatas Cup will have a double celebration this season, as the competition turns 15.
From a humble beginning, the competition has come this far and will celebrate its fifteen years in existence. It has gradually moved from strength to strength, creating a pathway for unsung talents to be recognized.
Mendi Off-Cuts have a reason to celebrate, despite losing skipper David Loko to the SP PNG Hunters. Loko was responsible for bringing the team to victory in 2012 and 2013.
Mendi Off-Cuts will be a force to be reckoned with whilst retaining their Ipatas Cup title despite losing skipper and Enga Mioks heavyweight David Loko, to the SP PNG Hunters.
Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Lepa, is optimistic for a competitive season.
This season will be no different as it aims to have Digicel Cup teams continue recruiting players out from the competition.
The Ipatas Cup will kick off with the regional competition, and already, the Southern region has confirmed its participation. 12 teams will compete, including Paga Panthers, Hekari Taurangau, Popondetta Butterflies and Mairi Eagles. Central province has also shown interest in the likes of Gabagaba Sharks.
New Hela province has made a debut into the competition. Games will be played in Tari, separate from the Mendi’s competition.
It’s a double celebration for Morobe province. Last year cup runner up, Kamkumung Crushers plans to give a competitive welcome to the boys from Kainantu, Yonki and Lufa, who will be visiting from the highlands Highway.
Also Lae will play host to the 15 years celebration of the Ipatas Cup. The prize money for this year’s cup winner stands at K200, 000.
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