PNG PEPE'S DEFENDER TINA POHA FULFILLS HER LATE FATHER'S DREAM
- Lisa Puni - ABC Pacific
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
When Tina Poha stepped onto the Sir John Guise indoor stadium court last November in Port Moresby against the Brisbane Wildcats, she made her debut for Papua New Guinea's national netball squad, the PNG Pepe's.
Her debut, fulfilling her late father's dream of her representing their beloved country. She then went on to star in the tri-series, earning the MVP award.
When Ms Poha played in the Pacific Aus Sports netball series last night, it marked the first time playing in an international tournament outside of Papua New Guinea, and the young defender will be looking to make her mark again this week.
"It had always been my father's dream that one day I would wear the Pepe's jersey and represent PNG; he was my number one supporter," she said.
"He always pushed me to give my best in sports especially when I am given an opportunity to prove myself."
After the death of her father in 2023, dealing with the loss almost cost her her sporting career. She admits she was on the verge of quitting the sport completely.
Sport reminded her of her father but her mother and siblings encouraged her to continue on.
"My mother told me that I should use this as motivation and fulfil my father's dream by giving my best and try to be scouted by the Pepes if a chance arises," Ms Poha said.
The 23-year-old, who hails from Moveave in the Gulf Province, spent most of her childhood playing in the fields of Ranuguri Settlement of Konedobu in Port Moresby.
Growing up amongst seven siblings, three of whom are brothers passionate about Rugby League, Ms Poha naturally gravitated towards sport herself and looked to take any opportunity that came her way.
Fuelled by her mother's words, Ms Poha pressed on, competing in the Port Moresby Netball Competition under the Veupunama Netball Club.
During one of those local competitions, PNG Pepe's head coach Lua Rikis spotted her and was amazed at her natural skill.
"She caught my attention during one of those local competitions and I
knew she had a lot to offer," Coach Rikis said.
"She has the elevation despite her height and she's fast. It would be great to see her flourish in her sporting career."
Upon Lua's appointment as head coach, she invited Ms Poha to train with the Pepes for the tri-series showdown against the Wildcats in Port Moresby, and the rest is history.
Ms Poha has since been named to represent Papua New Guinea in the wider travelling squad, along with 14 other netballers in the PacificAus Sport netball series which runs to the end of the week.
"Last night was my first game abroad and myself alongside my team members have trust and confidence in ourselves as we've been preparing since September last year," she said.
"Personally, my aim is to maintain my game and give my best out there."
Ms Poha and the PNG Pepe's played the Scottish Thistles in their first game going down to the northern hemisphere team 47 - 67, but gained valuable international experience.
Their second game against the First Nations, Australia Black Swans side was much closer with the Pepe's only 7 points behind with a final score of 52 - 59.
On Wednesday evening they'll take on Samoa who are currently undefeated in this Pacific Aus netball series so far.
The original image of Ms Poha in action was incorrect and has since been updated
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