𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻

The Kerema Basketball League (KBL) officially launched its 2026 season on Sunday, March 8, at the Kerema Town Basketball Court in Gulf Province.

The event marked a historic moment for basketball in Kerema District, as it was the first time the league held an official season launch ceremony. Community leaders, government officials, players, and supporters gathered to witness the occasion and celebrate the growth and development of basketball in the district.

The launching program was attended by several prominent leaders and guests, including Deputy Provincial Administrator Mr. Emmanuel Xavier, Geno Kima from Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) representing the Managing Director, National 5x5 Basketball Head Coach Mr. Moi Muri, accompanied by his sons Apia and Purari, KBL Patron Mr. Aisi Aua, and Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea officer Mr. Sepu Samson.

The Special Guest of Honor, Member for Kerema and Minister for Finance, Honorable Thomas Opa, officially launched the season and also pledged support by further developing the basketball facilities in the district.

During his remarks, Hon. Opa announced that he would support the construction of two new basketball courts in the district.

“I want to see more young people involved in sports. I will support the building of two new basketball courts - one at Coronation Secondary School in Kerema and another at Malalaua Secondary School,” he said.

Speaking during the ceremony, National 5x5 Basketball Head Coach, Mr. Moi Muri, encouraged players to remain focused and disciplined if they want to succeed in the sport.

“Basketball is a discipline game. You must be disciplined if you want to be great. Hard work and discipline will help build you into a better person,” Muri encouraged the athletes.

The Kerema Basketball League Patron, Mr. Aisi Aua, also thanked the sponsors and supporters who have come forward to support the league.

“We thank all our sponsors and supporters for coming on board to support the Kerema Basketball League and the 2026 season,” Aua said.

“We acknowledge the Gulf Provincial Government, Kerema District Development Authority, Gulf Sports Trust, and Mineral Resources Development Company for recognizing basketball in our district and province.”

Speaking during the event, Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea officer Mr. Sepu Samson said the national federation looks forward to working closely with the Kerema Basketball League to develop basketball in the province. He also acknowledged the effort put in by the league leadership to organize the event.

“It is encouraging to see the support and leadership behind basketball in Kerema. The federation (BFPNG) looks forward to working together with the Kerema Basketball League to grow and develop the game in Kerema District, Gulf Province, and Papua New Guinea,” Samson said.

Samson also thanked the Acting President of Kerema Basketball League, Ms. Bernadette M. Furigi, for the work she had done on the ground to organize the launching program.

“I would like to thank the Acting President, Ms. Bernadette Furigi, for the preparations and hard work done on the ground to make this event a success,” he said. 

Samson also shared that he had recently stepped down from his role as president of the Kerema Basketball League due to his engagement and responsibilities with the national federation. He, however, remains committed to supporting the league and the development of basketball in the district. 

The Kerema Basketball League executives said the 2026 season will focus on promoting participation, teamwork, and youth development through basketball.

With strong support from government leaders, sponsors, and the local community, KBL hopes the new season will continue to grow the game and provide opportunities for young people in Kerema District and wider Gulf Province. 

The Kerema Basketball League will feature eight clubs competing in both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions in the 2026 season.

PC: Dave Photography