The time to shine for PepsiPNG Men’s and Women’s National Basketball Teams is now, according to Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) Chief Executive Officer and men’s head coach Joel Khalu.

Papua New Guinea is one of four competing country’s in the 2017 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup presented by Paradise Beverages, which is being held this week at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.

Games commence at 1pm today and Khalu said PNG teams are ready for the challenge.

“We have so many things in our favour for this tournament,” Khalu said.

“Firstly, we’re playing at home, on our home court in front of our family, friends and fans. If we can replicate a similar atmosphere to that of the 2015 Pacific Games, that’s going to be a huge advantage.”

“Secondly, our preparation has been terrific. Our athletes are in good shape and that’s thanks to the hard work that the High-Performance strength and conditioning team have put in with them over the last 10-weeks.”

“Finally, it’s probably the most contact training time that coaches have had with national teams leading into an international event, so a lot more has been achieved on-court.”

The PepsiPNG Women’s National Team open their tournament against Fiji at 3pm, while the PepsiPNG Men’s National Team take on the Solomon Islands tonight at 7pm.

For more information, please contact BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu on khalujoel@gmail.com