Kandes have one last shot

Despite losing to the PRK Mendi Muruks with a gripping 18-14 margin, the Kandes RLC have a chance to redeem themselves and set the stage for a rematch in the decider.

Entering the semi-professional competition this year, the Kandes defied the odds and performed beyond people’s expectations, maintaining their position in the top 4 throughout the season. 

Mentored by one of the most successful local coaches in Papua New Guinea, Stanley Tepend, the new kids on the block are one game away from playing in the grand final in their inaugural season.

Coach Stanley Tepend lauded the Muruks’ performance, saying his men have another opportunity to progress to the grand final.  

“Credit to the Mendi Muruks. They showed class the whole afternoon, so that’s the reason why they are the minor premiers. Credit to Roderick (Puname) and his team,” Tepend said.

“We worked very hard to finish in the top 2 so we can have that second chance. We will go back and review our performance.”

Tepend explained that they have assembled a young side, noting that the team needs to make every moment count.

“They scored off an intercept try and 5th last, so these are the moments that we need to be better at in the finals," he said.

"In the finals, everybody is fit and strong, so it comes back to owning those moments.

“We have a young team, but at the same time, there’s no excuse. We played the whole season with a young team, so they have to show up next week and play better.” 

Tepend admitted that for a young side to play in front of the 15,000-plus fans was challenging, but hoped that his boys would brush off the nervousness and come prepared in their do-or-die match. 

The newcomers (Kandes) will face the high-flying ENB Agmark Gurias in the Preliminary Final on Sunday, September 6th, at Santos National Football Stadium. The winner will meet the PRK Mendi Muruks in the Grand Final on Sunday, September 13th.