15/08/2025
JS MK 9’s 2025 WRAPS UP WITH RECORD PRIZE POOL AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
By JOEL K ANDREW
Baruni, NCD — The JS Coffee Motu Koota 9’s 2025 rugby tournament has concluded with a historic milestone, awarding a record K24,000 prize pool, the largest ever in Motu Koita sporting history in its inaugural edition on Thursday.
The week-long competition drew 18 teams, hundreds of supporters, and strong community backing, further cementing its status as a premier fixture on the local sporting calendar.
Tournament Director and sponsor, speaking on behalf of JS Coffee Beans Ltd, thanked the officials, security personnel, referees, linesmen, and volunteers for making the event possible. “Words cannot fully express how proud I am of the amazing team that managed and ran this tournament,” he said.
Special praise went to Tournament President Ginate Maraga and Organiser Jay Kelson for their leadership, as well as to Jimmy Naime, Maru Kilina, and MC Maraga Sebea for keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the week.
All 18 participating teams were commended for their commitment, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Sponsors who made the record prize pool possible included:
○JS Coffee Beans Ltd
○JS Commodity Exports Ltd
○JS Coffee Café
○Teka’Ute Restaurant & Bar
Livestock Development Corporation (LDC), with Finance Manager Otto Wangillen personally contributing K5,000.
Winners and Awards:
○Cup Winners: Fega Brothers – K10,000 -Runners-up: Marabata Minimas – K2,000
○Plate Winners: Idubada Eels – K6,000 -Runners-up: Hetura Roosters – K1,000
○Bowl Winners: Swanchillies Warriors – K4,000 -Runners-up: Baruni Dunas – K500
○Player of the Tournament: Karava Mafu – K500
○Man of the Match: Winston Winnie – K500
Organisers also thanked Rigo Rice Cup CEO McSteve Polly for attending and encouraging the players, as well as the media team led by Joel Kuta Andrew for their professional news coverage.
The Baruni community was recognised for its hospitality and unwavering support, which helped ensure the tournament’s success both on and off the field.
The next JS MK 9’s tournament will be staged after Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations. “Until then, stay safe and continue to support local talent,” organisers said.