Black Orchids primed to defend Sports Tok 7s cup

Reigning champions of the annual Sports Tok 7s in Black Orchids are geared up to defend the cup in the 2025 edition, set for Easter Weekend in Port Moresby.

The Orchids have undergone vigorous training for two months to ensure they retain the cup in Autonomous Region of Bougainville for the tournament scheduled from April 18-20.

The Tsidom Semoso-coached outfit will compete in Open Men's and the Under-20 Boys division with stakes high to claim this year’s title, which will be battled out next weekend.

Head coach Semoso said preparations have been highly focused on ensuring robust defence and clinical attacking structure with the inclusion of the experienced and regular players.

"So far, we have won two championships, and I’m very happy with my team's preparation for the tournament because we are aiming to defend the cup as the current title holders," Semoso told NBC News ahead of next week’s 7s festival.

The AROB representative side who won the Sports Tok 7s Cup in 2022 and 2024, will travel to the nation’s capital next week with the ultimate aim to defend the title.

Semoso admitted whilst it will be a daunting task to strive for back-to-back championships, the Black Orchids team are ready to throw in everything against rival opponents from Lae, Port Moresby and Rabaul.

He acknowledged Kumul Minerals Company for providing airfares to make this trip possible.

"I am grateful to Kumul Minerals Company for sponsoring the team by purchasing tickets with Air Niugini for our 30-man team to participate in this year's tournament," Semoso said.

The biggest 7s tournament in the country is excited host the tournament starting on Good Friday and will end with the finals playoff on Easter Sunday.

Meanwhile, Semoso clarified that an Orchid team for the women's will not join this year’s tournament as there has been no proper local competition to prepare them.