University of Technology Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ora Renagi is Patron of the Konepoti Cricket Club in Lae.
He said part of the University’s mission is to promote sports, among the students and community.
He recounted the history of the cricket club back to the 70s-80s when Konepoti was one of the best teams among the Hoods with others like Raukele.
Dr. Renagi recalled the good players at that time like Vele Amini, Wari Agi and Walo Ila from the club who did very well to establish the strength of that club.
Dr Renagi said that the club was a premiership-winning club, and they did well by training their children to be cricket players as well.
“And so the legacy continues. Then when I became the VC of the University because I’m from this side of the area, I asked the boys to form a Konepoti club again. With the issues of the economy the club was non-operational for a while, until recently we revived the Konepoti club in Lae,” Dr Renagi said.
The Lae Cricket Club has been running for two years and last year they were the runner-up in the final.
He added that the main strength of the club is the children of former players and they had been very active in the revival of the club.
“I pay homage to Vele Amini, late Wari Agi, Walo Ila. Their children you’ll hear the names like Tupou Amini and Alfred Amini, Alan Ila, Martin Ila and Wari Agi’s son now Puana Agi is managing the cricket programs.”
Currently, Lae Unitech Konepoti Club is set up mainly to promote the game in the community and maintaining order and peace in the villages.
Dr. Renagi acknowledged the contributions from Dr. Ila Temu for engaging with sponsors for the activities.