NSBL Launches 20th Edition

The PRK National Souths Basketball League (NSBL) officially launched its 20th edition of the annual tournament today (April 10th) at the Hilton Hotel while unveiling its updated logo for the upcoming event next month. 

NSBL is initially hosted annually during Easter. However, for this year’s event, the confirmed dates have been rescheduled to 7-10 May due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond the board’s control. 

Attending the small but significant launch ceremony were Patron Johnny Yawari, President Silas Nicky, and Vice President Jotham Yawari.  

Despite limited support, Patron Yawari explained that the tournament had come a long way and continues to raise its profile, becoming a premier event in PNG’s basketball calendar every year. 

“This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the National Souths Basketball League, which started in 2006,” he said.

“NSBL is sanctioned by the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea and is one of the biggest tournaments nationwide that has produced many representative players over the years.

“Not much support has been given to basketball, but for the love of the game, some of us have committed our time to give back to the communities in Southern Highlands, the neighboring provinces, and the country.

“The sport is played by all families - children, mothers, fathers, and everyone. Basketball is a family sport that unites everyone, so we are trying our best to keep the code alive.   

“For me, it’s a great pleasure to be part of this wonderful sports organization that has a rich history in producing talented basketball players in Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, and the wider Highlands region.”

Mr. Yawari thanked the naming rights sponsor, Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK), which has supported the tourney for over a decade. He also acknowledged the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), Wame Blood Transport, and other sponsors for their support. 

“I want to thank all the sponsors who have been with us throughout our journey, including the Petroleum Resources Kutubu, National Gaming Control Board, and other small sponsors. I truly appreciate your support,” he said.  

The PRK Director acknowledged his predecessor and former Mendi-Munihu MP Issac Joseph for his strong leadership and support. He also thanked the PRK Chairman and PNGFA President John Kapi Natto for his steadfast support.

He further extended his appreciation to the current BFPNG president, David Peter, and his executives, including past administrators, for their fullest support in running the tournament annually.

President Silas Nicky echoed the words of patron Yawari, acknowledging the sponsors for their unwavering support for nearly two decades and also thanking the teams for their participation every year.

Patron Yawari commended those who created the NSBL in the 1990s and passed on the leadership baton to incumbent NSBL president Silas Nicky, Simon Dixie, and Timothy Mako, among others.

Mr. Yawari expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s growth and success in the last 19 years and looks forward to the 20th edition in May, urging the teams to register early and secure their spots. 

Established in 2006, NSBL serves as a platform for raw, emerging basketball talent in Southern Highlands Province, including Southern Highlanders living outside of the province, to showcase their skills. 

NSBL not only creates opportunities for promising basketball players to expose their talent but also advocates on social issues affecting the communities, such as tribal fights, alcohol, and illicit drug addictions, among other bad habits.  

The tournament is widely regarded as one of the biggest grassroots tournaments in Papua New Guinea, with over 30 teams comprising men and women competing for the crown and lucrative prize money every year.