Kafana rugby league sets new standard for youth pathways in EHP

Patron of Kafana Rugby League Jeremiah Konisimo (second from left) with KRL officials during the last Day of inter-district off-season league in Kafana (Image: NBC News)

The Kafana Rugby League has successfully concluded its inter-district off-season competition, reinforcing its commitment to developing young talent and fostering positive mindsets within Eastern Highlands Province.

Running from January 15th to the 26th at Kafana Village, the tournament served as a vital platform for young men and women in Goroka and the wider province. Since its inception in 2024, the KRL has quickly evolved from a local off-season competition into a fully affiliated member of the PNG Rugby Football League [PNGRF] as of 2025.

KRL patron Jeremiah Konisimo emphasized the league’s mission is focused around youth development.

“Our main objective is to cultivate a positive mindset among our youth and provide a genuine pathway for them to go further,” Konisimo said. “We want our players to say no to drugs, alcohol, and violence. By instilling discipline now, they can play the high-standard football required to meet the criteria of elite franchises.”

The league’s reputation for safety and sportsmanship has been a key driver of its success. After a violence-free debut season in 2024, the league expanded to 16 teams last year.

The results of this discipline are already evident, were the KRL successfully transitioned seven players into the Goroka Lahanis system; two men and five women.