Sailors crowned inaugural NCD Amateur Basketball Champions

Kaugere’s Southern Sailors sailed over Amana Koki Dolphins with a 66-54 victory to claim the inaugural NCD Amateur Second Tier Basketball Competition on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre. 

Sailors, who remained undefeated throughout the regular season to the finals, continued their attacking rhythm, establishing a 21-13 lead over the Koki Dolphins at the conclusion of the first quarter.

Koki Dolphins regrouped in the second quarter, conceding only 6 points and scoring 8 points. The Koki men limited the Sailors’ attacking threat, narrowing the lead by 6 points (27-21) at the break. 

The seafarers exploded in the third quarter, taking a huge 50-30 lead. Despite the 20-point deficit, the guardians of the sea refused to give in, fighting valiantly until the full-time buzzer and going down by 16 points. 

The Moi Muri-coached side possessed all-rounders across the floor, utilizing their speed, fast transitional plays, sleek ball movement, and offensive prowess to shut down the Dolphins to make a comeback.

Coach Muri praised his men: “It’s a good feeling. The boys played really well. I was very pleased with their performance. The boys have worked hard throughout the season, so they deserved the win.”

The Gulf basketball legend thanked the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea, the major sponsor, China Railway Construction Engineering Group, the technical officials, and fans for delivering a successful amateur competition in 2026. 

The legendary coach fielded a young side this season, with the Kaugere rising basketball stars remaining unbeaten from the opening round in the regular season to the grand final, and walked away with the ultimate prize.  

The veteran mentor said the team split in 2023, with most of the players joining other clubs. However, three years later, coach Muri revived the club in 2026 under the new name “Southern Sailors”, with the Kaugere boys taking the inaugural amateur competition by storm.