John Fred Making Waves in Coaching

Up-and-coming coach John Fred helped the Usano Sura secure the National Souths Basketball League’s (NSBL) 20th edition after defeating Kemele Mendi Menjals on Monday, 18 May 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.

Fred not only powered the Usano Sura to championship glory but also bagged the Coach of the Tournament, ending the 2026 NSBL’s 20th Anniversary on a high note.  

He comes from mixed parentage and has roots in Baimuru, Kikori District, Gulf Province, including Gaire and Tubusereia, in the Hiri-Koiari District of Central Province. 

Growing up among gifted kids in Kaugere, Port Moresby South, Fred showed interest in the five-man code at a young age, playing for the Exodus Basketball Club in the Kaugere Community Basketball competition. 

“I started playing basketball in the Kaugere Community Basketball competition when I was around the age of 12,” he said. 

“The last club that I played for was the Exodus Basketball Club. And that’s my only basketball club. I am a loyal Exodus.” 

Fred began his coaching career with Kutubu’s Usano Sura in 2023. That year, Usano created history, claiming their first NSBL title after 12 years. 

“I started my coaching career in 2023 by leading the Usano Sura in the National Souths Basketball League and claiming the title in my coaching debut,” he said. 

The 26-year-old also coached the Medics Basketball Club at the University of Papua New Guinea Basketball Association (UPNGBA) in 2023. 

In 2024, he steered Usano to another grand final in Lae, where they defended their NSBL trophy. The same year, he coached Usano in the Port Moresby Basketball League (PMBL). 

“In 2024, after winning the NSBL trophy, we registered the Usano Sura in the last edition of the Port Moresby Men’s Basketball League,” he said. 

“I was the youngest coach, coaching against experienced coaches like Moi Muri, David Peter (current BFPNG President), Boyet Doroya, and other senior coaches.

“Coaching in the Port Moresby Basketball League was one of the greatest achievements in my coaching career.”   

Following the championship success, he coached the UPNG Chiefs in the Intervarsity tournament, powering the team to the grand final, but they lost to IBSU Hammers.

In 2025, Usano did not participate in the NSBL tournament, so he mentored Hela Inaka, who unfortunately did not play in the finals.

However, the NSBL two-time champions (Usano) made their return in 2026 and won their third title under Fred’s mentorship. 

The same year, he coached the Kutubu Lakers women’s team in the Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB), but pulled out due to personal commitments. The Lakers won the competition in 2025.

He was also part of the coaching staff for the PNG 3x3 teams in 2025. The same year, he switched to rugby league and currently coaches the Kaugere Seagulls Club. 

The young coach acknowledged those who played a part in his coaching career and hopes to become a national coach in the future.

“Special thank you to my mentors and coaches, Moses Koiri from Exodus, Moi Muri, and Nick Daroa from Exodus,” Fred said. 

“I left playing at a very young age and switched to become a full-time coach, and my aim and goal is to become a national coach one fine day in the junior or senior team.” 

Fred has accomplished several accolades in less than five years of coaching. It has taken some coaches many years to achieve such feats.  

Beyond coaching, the Gulf-Central lad does freelancing through his Lagu Media Agency. He writes stories about athletes and community initiatives, empowering the youth in his community and amplifying their voices. 

The following are some of John Fred’s accomplishments in his young, thriving, and promising coaching career:

• 3 NSBL titles with Usano Sura Souths (2023, 2024, and 2026) 

• 2023 and 2026 NSBL Coach of the Tournament

• 2023 UPNGBA Coach of the Season

• 2024 Intervarsity Games Coach of the Tournament

• 2024 UPNG Chiefs Intervarsity Games Title