KAVIENG AMATEUR BASKETBALL GEARS UP FOR 2026 GRAND FINAL SHOWDOWN
CAPTION: Team TIGZ Nigana after last Sunday’s semi final win and meets 4 Stars in today’s grandfinal of the Kavieng Amateur Basketball Association. PICTURES BY Freddy Hongoworie.
BY FRANKIY KAPIN
THE Kavieng Amateur Basketball Association (KABA) is set to give back to its players, supporters, and families as it stages its Season 2026 Grand Final today, Sunday, November 15, at the Kavieng Basketball Courts.
KABA Secretary Herman Bilak confirmed today that the local competition concludes following a four-month season that startes off in July. Bilak praised the resilience of participating teams and officials who kept the sport alive in Kavieng town despite the absence of major corporate sponsorship.
”We run our own affairs through small fundraising drives and team affiliation fees to keep the competition going,” Bilak said.
While external funding was minimal throughout the season, he commended Vodafone PNG for stepping in to support special events, including tomorrow’s grand final.
In the championship matchups, the women’s division will see 4-Stars clash with RAWAL Bullets at 1:00 PM. In the men’s division, 4-Stars will aim to sweep both titles as they face the young, rising TIGZ Nigana squad before 4:00 PM.
Looking ahead, Bilak highlighted that KABA’s long-term development is anchored by a mutually signed agreement with the Kavieng Urban LLG, the Division of Community Development, and the New Ireland Provincial Government and Administration to grow the code in the provincial capital of New Ireland province.
Bilak also rallied behind Kavieng’s open women’s select side, which will compete at the National All Stars Championship in Port Moresby from February 25 to 28, 2027, urging local business houses to back the squad.
Following an off-season break starting in December, KABA’s new season will officially tip off in March 2027.
“Everyone is welcome to come down to the courts tomorrow and witness the 2026 grand final,” Bilak added.
