A new elite basketball competition, presented by PNG LNG and Togoba Kofi, is set to kick off at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the Port Moresby sports scene. Competition Director, Mr. Lawrence Lahari in an interview with PNGHAUSBUNG, explains that the tournament, modelled after prestigious leagues like the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and the PNGFA National Premier League, aims to elevate basketball to new heights in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Unlike a corporate event, this competition is strictly for elite athletes and is currently being trailed exclusively in Port Moresby. The organizers hope to expand its reach in the future, but for now, they are focusing on building a strong foundation in the capital city. Togoba Kofi, one of the major sponsors alongside PNG LNG, plays a crucial role in supporting the competition. Founded by Frederick Koldop, a young entrepreneur from Togoba in the Western Highlands Province, Togoba Kofi began its operations in August 2022. The company is dedicated to revitalizing rundown coffee plantations and factories in the Western Highlands and Jiwaka Provinces, aiming to increase coffee volumes for export. "We encourage smallholder coffee farmers by providing very competitive prices and educating them on growing and maintaining coffee quality," said a representative from Togoba Kofi. The company is also building factories and processing plants to boost both quality and volume, which aligns with its vision of fostering local industry and community development. The collaboration with PNG LNG is a natural fit, as both organizations share a focus on youth engagement. The Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) initiative is committed to promoting and developing basketball in the city, providing young athletes with opportunities to excel in sports and beyond. Since the registration opened on Sunday, 21st July, there has been significant interest in the competition. "We are looking to have six men's and six women's teams from all regions," said Mr. Lahari, the Competition Director. The elite competition is expected to run for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the final number of teams. Affiliated with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG), this competition is set to become an annual event. Lahari said it is not intended for fundraising but purely for elevating the standard of basketball in the country. The winner of the competition will take home a prize of K30, 000, with additional prizes for the runner-up and third place to be confirmed. The competition is slated to begin in August, with a technical workshop planned for referees and officials. "PEB is set to turn heads. It's time to lift the game professionally, and that's what we plan to do," said Lahari. “The teams must adhere to the PEB competition rules and constitution." "What we will bring is fun, entertaining, high-level basketball for the people of Port Moresby." "It's a great opportunity for youths to aspire to this competition!” The organizing committee, led by Lahari and PEB Technical Advisor Ronnie Mea, is working tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. They express their gratitude to all sponsors and supporters who have made this competition possible, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Papua New Guinea's basketball history.