As part of their preparations for the upcoming FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup, the Pepsi PNG Men’s national team will face an international All Stars line-up.
The line-up will comprise of the best players from the Filipino Association of PNG Basketball League.
The two-sides will meet at 7:30pm this Sunday at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.
The idea for the exhibition match-up came about following a meeting between the President of the Basketball Federation of PNG, Nick Daroa, Madam President of FAPNG, Cathy Madrid, and the PNG men’s assistant coach, Ferdinand Daroya.
The trio agreed that the event would be a tremendous showcase, one that if successfully delivered on Sunday, has the ability to become an annual event on the BFPNG basketball calendar.
Daroa acknowledged the game as being a positive lead-up contest for PNG.
“Both of our Pepsi PNG national teams need pre-tournament games leading into the Melanesia Cup and this matchup with the FAPNG All Stars gives our men’s side a real high-quality hit out.
“When you combine the premier FAPNG players together on one team, it creates a very formidable side.
“Their squad will resemble a similar size and standard to that of a top pacific hoops nation and the game is going to be great entertainment for fans.
“It will certainly be one of the best basketball showdowns that we have seen in Port Moresby since the 2015 Pacific Games and we are grateful to FAPNG for accepting the invitation to participate,” said Daroa.
The FAPNG Basketball All Stars will be coached by Eddie Salazar, and their line-up includes a number of players who possess professional PBL experience.
Following the game, there will be trophy presentations sponsored by Rainbow Travel.
Admission to the game is free for all spectators, with the TAIC doors opening at 6pm.