Kemele Mendi Menjals Women’s Team Claim First NSBL Title

The Kemele Construction Limited-sponsored Mendi Menjals women’s team clinched their first-ever National Souths Basketball League (NSBL) title after edging out the spirited Honipolu outfit with a 33-32 win in the Women’s Grand Final on Monday, 18 May 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.

After participating in the annual tournament for nearly two decades without much success, the Menjals ladies finally created history in the tournament’s 20th edition, ending their championship drought and winning their inaugural NSBL trophy.  

With the bragging rights on the line, Menjals and Honipolu delivered an entertaining and physical match that went down to the wire, keeping the passionate fans on the edge of their seats from the opening quarter to the final whistle. 

It was a neck-and-neck battle in all four quarters, with both sides having turns to lead by slim margins. However, the Menjals used their experience in the dying minutes of the final quarter to stun the confident Honipolu girls. 

Menjals were banking on the experiences of seasoned basketball players led by Betty Angula, Jonitha Warabe, and Hennah Kuwimb. Angula and Warabe, in particular, were instrumental in the Menjals’ maiden NSBL championship glory.   

Captain Jonitha Warabe attributed the team’s victory to the players having trust in each other and sticking together as a team, while crediting Angula’s vast experience and leadership on the court.

“It was a tough experience, where we had only 8 players who played throughout the whole tournament,” skipper Warabe said. 

“One of our main motivations throughout the tournament was trust. Trust was there, so we took the home run in seconds with just one point with less than 15 seconds before full-time.

“We got backed up by Betty Angula. It was my first time running with her in the NSBL tournament. We usually play on one team when representing PNG.

“It was a bonus for team Kemele Mendi Menjals women's division to have Betty in our team, and it was my first time lifting the NSBL trophy, so I am super excited.”

She thanked sponsor Firman Joseph for his continued support for both men’s and women’s teams over the years and extended her appreciation to her teammates, the coaching staff, team management, and the loyal fans.

Captain Warabe and her teammates now shift their focus to the Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB), which tips off this weekend (May 24th), while anticipating defending their NSBL title in 2027. 

Meanwhile, Kemele Mendi Menjals men’s team also played in the grand final against Usano Sura but lost by 2 points (32-30) in a gripping contest. 

PC: Wepio Media Agency