The 2017 National Souths Basketball League tournament was successfully completed, thanks to a huge K150,000 sponsorship from Petroleum Resources Kutubu.

Women’s Division Back-to-Back Champions Kutubu Lakers with their awards after the presentation at Taurama Aquatic Centre

The competition was nothing short of exciting and culminated in two nail-biting finals that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Kutubu Lakers made it a back-to-back win in the women’s division with a 45-34 victory over Sumale while new kids on the block Mayawala defeated Reunion Souths 42-35 in the men’s final to lift their maiden title.

The champion sides each won K15,000 and a shield. The league also lived up to its objective in reuniting talented players from Southern Highlands and other ethnic groups.

Under the leadership of patron Johnny Yawari and founding president Silas Nicky, the concept of NSBL was to unite Southern Highlands and Hela provinces.

PRK director John Kapi Natto said in line with the concept it was encouraging to note that NSBL has continued to be held over the last ten years.

2017 National Souths Basketball League Tournament Mens Divison Champions Mayawala with their spoils at the presentation

In delivering the sponsorship cheque on behalf of PRK Chairman Abraham, Kapi Natto also urged the organizers to bring back the game to Southern Highlands. The NSBL tournament has been hosted in Port Moresby over the last three years.

“We want to support a competition that has major benefits for the people. I am happy to see young Yawari involved in sports particularly basketball,” he said.

Yawari who is also a PRK Director said he was honored to be part of the NSBL and thanked the PRK Board for their support. Nicky said he was grateful to PRK for stepping in, thanking the PRK Board and MRDC for their continued support.

2017 National Souths Basketball League Tournament Executives Barth Yacop and President Johnny Yawari presenting cash prize and shield to captain of Kutubu Lakers.