The sleepy Mendi town will be expecting a big footy show down early next month with PRK Mendi Muruks taking on MoniPlus NCD Vipers in the Hope Cup
THE much anticipated Hope Cup which was supposed to be played today in Southern Highlands capital Mendi has been deferred.
This comes after NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Southern Highlands Governor William Powi agreed to postpone the Hope Cup to February 5-8 for reasons known only by both governors.
Mendi League President Mathew Nap announced this on Thursday, Jan 21 saying this was at the request of the host so it has been agreed.
“Please all stakeholders be advised to adjust your schedules accordingly.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Will keep you all posted on latest developments,” Nap said.
Governor Parkop is expected to lead a large delegation to Mendi including the City Manager Bernard Kipit and the Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo.
The Hope Cup was an initiative of Governor Parkop and Governor Powi to restore peace, unity and hope for the people of Southern Highlands province.
Governor Parkop during a media conference last week said they have planted a seed of Hope last year and the goal was to nourish it.
“This is a vision and idea supported by Governor Powi and me and also the two franchises of PRK Mendi Muruks and MoniPlus NCD Vipers.
“It is a sanctioned PNGRFL event and we are planning to make this event become a festival in the year to come,” Governor Parkop said.
A full squad of the 2020 Moni Plus NCD Port Moresby Vipers will be traveling to Mendi to face the PRK Mendi Muruks for the Hope Cup.
Motu Koitabu Lagatois bid team will also be accompanying Governor Parkop to Mendi to face a select side of Mendi League.
Meantime, Pacific Industries through its Pepsi brand has gone onboard to support the Motu-Koitabu Lagatois bid for the Digicel Cup competition.
Pepsi General Manager Ashlon Chue donated a full set jersey to the Lagatois team as their platinum sponsor.
Chue said Pepsi is very supportive of the initiative taken by Governor Parkop and the message behind the values of prosperity.
