GOVERNOR SIA CONGRATULATES LAHANIS

By Vicky BAUNKE, Goroka

THE Pride of Eastern Highlands Province in Rubgy the Goroka Bintangor Lahanis is looking forward to heading into the elimination finals of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2025 this weekend in Port Moresby.

Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia congratulated the management, coaching staff, and players of the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis for representing the people of Eastern Highlands Province well and showing resilience, pride, and determination while playing semi-professional rugby league.

He said, “Despite some challenges along the way, with critics, the team has shown a professional display both on and off the field.

He said the team has capitalised on past mistakes and has taken the discipline seriously, and evidently put on a strong show that placed them third on the ladder, and now into the finals.

Goroka Bintangor Lahanis is not new to going into the finals, and they will give their extra effort to keep the hope alive until they reach the end of the tunnel.

The Governor strongly emphasized to the players to stick to the game plan and play football and abide by the game rules with all confidence and discipline that will determine the final scoreboard, said Mr Sia.

His message to players was that their performance will determine the outcome, and to remember that they represent the eight districts of the province and its people.

Mr Sia also acknowledged the minor sponsors for coming on board and supporting the provincial team this year, which included the K92 Mine Ltd, the Provincial Government, Lufa, Goroka, and Ungai Bena DDA, and the business community in Goroka town.

He commended the sponsors for their unwavering support which showed their commitment to creating a unified community that bridges tribes, ethnic groups, and districts to come together.

Meanwhile, Governor Sia has called on the Eastern Highlands residents in Port Moresby to fill up the seats at the National Football Stadium with the Lahanis’ colors, placards, and painted faces, and show the strong moral support to our Team and the Pride of Eastern Highlands Province.

Meanwhile, Goroka Bintangor Lahanis Coach Gonzella Urakusei told the media during the team’s home game win at the National Sports Institute in Goroka that the team is confident that the team is prepared to take on the Rabaul Agmark Gurias and head into the grand final to take home the Cup.