After a breakthrough run to the Port Moresby Basketball Association (PMBA) Men’s Grand Final in 2025 and despite the loss, the Equalizers Basketball Club is now laying the groundwork for the 2026 season, continuing its focus on community, youth development and purpose beyond the scoreboard.
Club co-founder and President, Tirimahn Masi confirmed that now in their third season as a club, they're more into building the teams foundation for both the men’s and the women’s divisions.
He also shared that the teams haven’t gone into formal training yet because both teams are now taking part in community games, team bonding and seeking sponsorship support ahead of the upcoming competition season.
“Training hasn’t started yet as right now; we’re actively looking for possible sponsors for 2026. Once the training schedule is confirmed, we’ll get straight into business,” Masi said.
A recent social media post by the club showed the teams having a team bonding, catching up with friends and family following a local Christmas basketball competition at Bomana.
Teams from the De La Salle community registered for the event, and players from the Equalizers were seen joining other sides, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere.
“We were surprised to see our teammates playing with other teams,” Masi said. “But it made the competition fun. After the games, we decided to have a barbecue together. That’s just how the team is.”
He said the sense of unity remains at the core of the club, describing the team as family.
“The team literally feels like a family, and that is why our main aim has never really been about winning. It’s about giving opportunities to young talents, exposing their hidden skills, and hopefully one day seeing one of them represent PNG.”
As Masi prepares to be away for studies, the club’s leadership transition has become one of the key agendas for 2026.
He confirmed that discussions are underway among the executive members to identify the right person to take on the role of club president.
“There are a few people in the community who show promise, but we’re still looking for the right person,” Masi said. “With Agnes Urupua, our vice president, and Mr. James Linen Pomat, our team manager, I trust that whoever steps in will be well guided.”
Masi added that his personal hope is to see a young leader rise from within the community.
“I want a young person to step up, dedicate their time, and really take the team to the next level. With the right mentorship, this club can grow even further.”
Beyond basketball, the Equalizers continue to serve as a platform for youth development and education.
The club is actively conducting awareness sessions on youth related issues using the 5Rs framework ‘Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, Resilience, and Rights’.
This work is supported through an ongoing partnership with ChildFund PNG, with several players and officials serving as peer educators after completing the ChildFund Impact Project, which concluded last year.
As preparations for the 2026 PMBA season continue, the Equalizers remain committed to growing basketball in Bomana and the wider North-East electorate, not just as a sport, but as a positive pathway for young people.
