Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today officially launched the 2025 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Ministers Football Tournament and Cup Draw at the Melanesian Haus, Waigani, in a ceremony that highlighted the spirit of Melanesian unity through Sport.
The brief but significant event was attended by Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports, Hon. Kinoka Feo, MSG Director General Mr. Leonard Louma, PNG Football Association (PNGFA) President Mr. John Kapi Natto, and other distinguished guests.
This year marks the Fourth Edition of the Men’s MSG Prime Ministers Cup and the inaugural edition for the Women’s Tournament—a historic first for Papua New Guinea to host since the Tournament’s revival. The competition will be held from 10th to 22nd November 2025, with matches to be played at the PNG Football Stadium and Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, and possibly in Lae, Morobe Province.
Prime Minister Marape, in his keynote remarks, said that Sports—particularly Football—have the power to bring people together and strengthen bonds across Melanesia.
“Sports unite people,” Prime Minister Marape said. “As seen across many Sporting codes, Soccer in particular is a powerful uniting factor among our Melanesian peoples. This Tournament is not just about lifting trophies—it is about promoting people-to-people exchanges, nurturing our shared Melanesian identity, and celebrating the spirit of togetherness that defines us.”
The Prime Minister expressed pride that Papua New Guinea, as the largest Melanesian nation, has the honour and responsibility to host the event and welcome teams and officials from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
“We take our place in the family of Melanesian nations with a duty of care and responsibility. We want to warmly welcome our Wantoks, our brothers and sisters from across Melanesia. Papua New Guinea will do its absolute best to ensure all participating teams are well looked after,” he said.
He also thanked MSG Director General Leonard Louma, who was newly appointed to oversee the Tournament, and commended PNGFA President John Kapi Natto for his years of dedicated leadership in developing Football in PNG and the Region.
“Chairman Kapi Natto has given many years of his life to Football, both personally and professionally. His leadership and passion have elevated the sport in our country and across Melanesia,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to supporting all Sports across the country—not just Rugby League—and said plans are underway to strengthen Sports Development through the National Education System.
“Our Government is looking seriously at embedding Sports in Schools throughout Papua New Guinea. Not every child is born to excel academically—some are gifted athletes destined to shine in sports. We must provide them the opportunities and pathways to reach their potential, whether in Football or other codes,” he said.
“Sport offers our young people an alternative career pathway and a chance to represent our country on the international stage. We want to build a future where every young Papua New Guinean has access to Sport as a platform for discipline, growth, and excellence.”
The Prime Minister called on the Corporate Community to partner with Government and Sports Federations in supporting the MSG PMs Cup, noting that Football is growing rapidly in popularity and provides a unifying platform for Youth Development.
He concluded by reaffirming PNG’s readiness to host the event.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I look forward to welcoming our Melanesian family when the Tournament kicks off on 10th November. Together, we will celebrate not just competition, but the unity and brotherhood of Melanesia through Football.”