Young Kongo shines in Mendi Muruks Minor Premiership success

The PRK Mendi Muruks rookie winger, Makati Kongo, lit up the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, 16 August 2026, against the Kroton Hela Wigmen, scoring four tries and playing an instrumental role in the Muruks’ Minor Premiership glory.

Kongo, from Mendi Central in the Southern Highlands Province, made his debut for the Muruks in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup this year, growing in leaps and bounds and cementing the wing position.

The booming winger scored two tries in the first half and bagged another two tries in the second half, contributing to the Muruks’ 6-try haul. He ran over 100 meters, made a few tackle busts, and ultimately secured the Man-of-the-Match honors.

Kongo said this was his second time receiving the top-performing player of the game award and scoring four tries for the first time, attributing his success to his faith, teammates, the coaching staff, and the team management.

“Firstly, I would like to thank God for bringing me this far from the Mendi League to the Mendi Muruks to play in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup this season,” he stated.

“This was my second time to win the Man-of-the-Match and my first time to score four tries, so I am happy and humbled to achieve that. I’m overwhelmed with my performance.”

Coach Roderick Puname has praised the rising talent, saying that they recruited Kongo from the Mendi League and blooded him in the country’s domestic top-flight competition this year.

"He is a young boy. We scouted him straight from the Mendi League, who made his debut this year. It’s good for him and his confidence heading into the finals. I’m proud of what he did today," Puname said.

The Southern Highlander said his outstanding performance had motivated him to prepare for the finals, noting that a few areas of his game needed polishing. 

“In the two weeks’ break, I will train hard, commit myself, and assess my weak areas to prepare myself for the finals,” Kongo admitted.

As a proud Southern Highlander, Kongo said the black and white jersey meant a lot to him, especially delivering a standout performance in front of the Muruks’ pioneers and former club legends.

He dedicated the match to his fathers, JB Kapipi and Kevin Kapipi, who were former Muruks pioneers, whose legacy inspired him to play rugby league and keep the family name alive. 

The Murumbu native played a central role in the Mendi Muruks’ minor premiership triumph and looks forward to winning the premiership and ending the club’s 18-year title drought.