PNG men’s U18 national team was unable to attend the 2016 FIBA Oceania Championships due to financial constraints.
CEO, Joel Khalu, said the Federation fell short on reaching its original target of K150,000 to send both teams to the championship in Suva Fiji, but were only able to raise enough funds to send only one team, where the Federation decided to send the women’s team.
Khalu said it was extremely disappointing for everyone involved, because they have worked so hard in the past three months, liaising to secure possible sponsors.
Raising only half the amount, it was difficult for the board to decide to send only the women’s team to Fiji, so that PNG could at least have a representation at the Championships.
Meanwhile, Khalu said a cost effective travel arrangements for the men’s side have been organised so that they can travel to far north Queensland, to play at an international standard, to gain international exposure.
2017 and 2018 will be busy years for the Federation, as they prepare to host the U-15 and U-17 national championships in Port Moresby, before the hosting of the U-15 FIBA Oceania Championships, in Port Moresby.
With the focus heading towards the junior players, the seniors will get back to training early next year, to start training in preparations for the Melanesian Cup, again to be played in Port Moresby.
