Koso Bandi Succumbs to ACL Injury

The SP PNG Hunters enforcer, Koso Bandi, will be having a long stint on the sideline after rupturing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) on Sunday, April 28th, against the Burleigh Bears during the ANZAC round 7 clash of the Hostplus Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

This is a significant blow for both Bandi and the Hunters, as he was just starting to find his rhythm again and playing some strong footy.

Big Bandi tore his ACL in the final quarter of the game and was taken off the field by the medical doctors. After a thorough diagnosis of his injury, the doctors have advised that Bandi would be sidelined for an extended period.  

The Jiwaka man made his debut for the Hunters in 2023, making 29 appearances for the SP Brewery-backed side and earning a spot in the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII last year in Port Moresby, including the Pacific Championship.

Since cracking the tier-two competition in 2023, he has grown in leaps and bounds, slowly becoming one of the premier props in the game. He has been an ominous presence in the middle of the field, helping the Hunters and setting up the platform upfront. 

Before the start of the 2025 QRL Hostplus Cup season, Koso was dropped due to ill-discipline and match fitness. He spent a few months with the Central Dabaris in the preseason and got his act together, making his comeback to the Hunters in round 3.

Bandi’s injury further weakens the forward stocks with the absence of the behemoth duo comprising Epel Kapinias and Anthony Worot, which leaves all the workload on the shoulders of Jordan Pat and Zebedy Kip to carry, including utility player Jacob Lot (debutant), who will replace Bandi. 

Coach Paul Aiton expressed his disappointment but acknowledged that this presents an opportunity for others to rise to the challenge.

"It's really unfortunate. Koso was beginning to get back into his groove and playing some quality football," Aiton stated.

"To do his ACL at this stage — it's a real shame. We’ve got a few long-term injuries piling up now, which is tough on the group.

"Injuries are never what you want, but they do open the door for some of the younger boys to step up and show us what they can do. It’s a chance for new talent to rise to the occasion."