Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup adopts Super League concept

After 18 years in running, the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) will today receive the K30,000 backing of Bulolo MP Sam Basil for the official opening of the tournament early next month.

The support by the Deputy Opposition Leader paves the way for the launching of the CCIC in the mining township of Wau, in Morobe Province scheduled for January 10.

CCIC CEO Timothy Lepa yesterday announced that Patron of CCIC and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas and Basil will launch the 2015-2016 challenge.

Tournament Director Mona Mcharetz said this year has seen the adoption of England’s Super League concept by the CCIC administration.

Mcharetz said the concept has increased participation of teams boasting 128 teams from more than 200 interests.

He explained that the CCIC will commence with 16 centres throughout PNG hosting eight teams each.

The 16 centres are Morobe, Kainantu, Madang, Wewak, Goroka, Chimbu, Mt Hagen, Jiwaka, Mendi, Tari, Wabag, Pogera, Kimbe, Buka, Port Moresby and Sogeri.

Mcharetz said the 16 centres will pick the one best team coming out from a round robin challenge with the highest points earned through four weekends of games.

He said the 16 teams will then be split into two categories of eight teams each to contest the Eastern and Western ends respectively by the end of March.

"The top team and the runner up from these two challenges to be staged in Wau for the Eastern end and Jiwaka for the Western end will proceed as the top four for the grand final award," said Mcharetz.

Mcharetz said the grand final will be staged at the Aipus oval in Wabag on the Easter weekend in April next year.