Southern Sailors Soaring

Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) newcomers, the Southern Sailors, have taken the 2026 competition by storm, recording four wins, one draw, and sitting first on the ladder after game 5 of Round 1.  

The Sailors started their 2026 PEB campaign with a hard-fought victory over the Moni Plus Tamaraws in the season opener, drew with CivPac Amesii, and won three straight games against the Bulls, 3K North-West Wizards, and Triple B.         

The team comprises seasoned basketball players and PNG representatives, including the captain, Apia Muri, Purari Muri, Obert Muri, Opa Kima, Eddie Moses, Matthew Kairi, Allan Kaia, and the bench players.  

Mentored by Papua New Guinea’s former basketball legend and current national coach, Moi Muri, the Muri brothers and the Gulf boys from Port Moresby’s Kaugere suburb have imposed their presence in the elite competition.

The Moi Muri-coached outfit boasts both offensive and defensive threats across the floor. The team has efficient scorers and determined competitors, who are capable of scoring buckets from anywhere on the court.

Entering the newly created PEB competition this year, which was established in 2024, with the naming rights sponsorship from ExxonMobil PNG, the Sailors are serious contenders for the coveted trophy. 

A renowned basketball family spanning more than two generations, the Muris had dominated the old Premier Men’s Basketball League (PMBL), clinching seven straight championships and setting a record in PNG basketball. They now aim to dominate the PEB. 

PC: PEB