So far, 132 youths from the rural areas of PNG have made the rugby league national team, thanks to the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup.
Since Coca-Cola’s partnership with the competition in 2001, raw talents have been given the opportunity to pursue their dreams on the international stage.
The 2018 Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup progressive report was presented today in Port Moresby.
During the presentation, the competition’s CEO, Timothy Lepa, highlighted the crucial role the offseason competition plays in PNG rugby league.
“The Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup players have now made it into the Hunters. The 60-man squad they will announce very soon, 75 percent is from the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup. So there you see, there is talent hidden,” Lepa stated.
He acknowledged Coca-Cola for their help in reaching areas where the competition’s national development officers could not; for identifying and marketing hidden talents.
CCA’s marketing and sales manager, Djamel Bencheikh, in turn commended the competition for progress made in allowing youths to play and enjoy PNG’s national sport.
“Equally, this heritage has been built year after year, and that is why we are, without hesitating, encouraging and reiterating our support to Ipatas Cup and all the staff that are giving us confidence that this competition is being organised in a very professional way, and a very transparent way.”
The Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup is scheduled to kick-off in December 7th.
(CCA’s marketing and sales manager, Djamel Bencheikh, receiving the report and presenting their three-year contract to competition CEO Timothy Lepa)