PEB announces Train-on Squads to strengthen Basketball Development
Updated: Oct 12
The Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) announced its men’s and women’s train-on squads for the Brian Kerle International in January 2027, following the completion of its third season on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
PEB Director Lawrence Lahari explained that the squads were selected entirely from recorded player performance statistics supplied to participating teams after each game throughout the 2026 season.
“The selection of these train-on squads was based purely on the season statistics. There was no selection committee or panel of selectors. Players earned this opportunity through their recorded performances on the court,” Mr Lahari said.
The squads will now begin preparations, with players working towards securing a place in the final PEB touring teams.
Director Lahari emphasized that the announcement relates specifically to PEB squads and must be distinguished from the PNG national team selection.
“These are PEB train-on squads, not the PNG national squads. Inclusion does not guarantee national selection or provide direct entry into the PNG team. That responsibility remains with the Basketball Federation of PNG through its own selection processes,” he clarified.
“Our goal is to contribute to athlete development, especially in the High-Performance space, by providing further preparation and opportunities for international competition. We want to help our athletes become ‘game-ready’ as they work towards building for the 2027 Pacific Games.”
Mr. Lahari said domestic competitions play an important role in supporting national federations by developing players and giving them regular, meaningful competition.
“Every sporting competition should consider how it can help prepare athletes for the next level. Strong local competitions can support national federations by giving players opportunities to improve, test themselves, and prepare for the demands of representative sport,” he said.
“For PEB, completing our third season is another step towards that goal. We want to continue building a competition that recognizes performance and creates opportunities for our basketball players.”
PEB congratulates all athletes named in the train-on squads and encourages them to approach the next stage with commitment, discipline, and a willingness to improve.
“Being named is the beginning. Players must now turn up, train hard, and earn their place in the final touring teams,” Mr. Lahari said.
PEB also acknowledged its statistics team, participating clubs, officials, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for their contributions to the 2026 season.
Men’s Train-on Squad:
Martin Asi
Moses Kairi
Harold Elavo Jnr
Opa Kima
Moses Lune
Purari Muri
Cornelius Muri
Allan Millard
Hunter Bobola
Enoch Raka
Matthew Kairi
Kevin Kaia
Michael Henry
Morea Elavo Jnr
Charlie Bradley
Apia Muri
Jesse Pine
Solomon Aeava
Lawrence Elavo
Women’s Train-on Squad:
Anna Moses
Jane Tongia
Betty Angula
Maggie Evo’o
Jacky Asiba
Gibella Maikai
Lynnette Tongia
Marca Muri
Margaret Kevin
Lulu Goro
Lydia Gotuno
Cynthia Baia
Victoria Kolgia
Betinah Dobunaba
Joan Kola
Grace Taunam
Valarie Maikai
Joycelyn Kulangil
Alysha Josiah
Rayvina Marape
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