“Prime Minister Marape Launches Tournament Draw“
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, together with Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports, Hon. Kinoka Feo, and PNG Football Association (PNGFA) President Mr. John Kapi Natto, today officially launched the 2025 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Ministers Football Tournament and unveiled the official cup draws at the Melanesian Haus in Waigani.
The ceremony marked a major milestone in the lead-up to this year’s tournament, highlighting the growing unity of Melanesian nations through football and sport. Also in attendance were MSG Director General Mr. Leonard Louma and other distinguished guests.
The MSG Prime Ministers Cup, first introduced in 2022, features five Melanesian nations such as Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea, competing in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Since its revival, the competition has grown in prestige across the region. Papua New Guinea won the inaugural title in 2022, the Solomon Islands took the crown in 2023, and PNG reclaimed it in 2024.
This year marks the fourth edition of the men’s tournament and the inaugural edition of the women’s competition, which will be hosted for the first time in Papua New Guinea. Matches will run from 10th to 22nd November 2025, taking place at the PNG Football Stadium and Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, with possible fixtures in Lae, Morobe Province.
During the launch, the official draws for Pool A and Pool B in both the men’s and women’s divisions were revealed, signaling the start of preparations for what is expected to be another exciting football showdown among Melanesian brothers and sisters.
Prime Minister Marape, in his keynote remarks, said sports, particularly football have the power to bring people together and strengthen Melanesian bonds.
“Sports unite people,” Prime Minister Marape said. “As seen across many sporting codes, soccer in particular is a powerful uniting factor among our Melanesian people. This tournament is not just about lifting trophies but 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 across the region.
“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.
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged MSG Director General Leonard Louma and PNGFA President John Kapi Natto for their roles in promoting football and regional cooperation through sport.
“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.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing all sports nationwide, noting that plans are underway to embed sports programs in 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 with the opportunities and pathways to reach their potential,” 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.”
Prime Minister Marape also called on the corporate community to partner with the government and sports federations in supporting the MSG PMs Cup, noting that football’s popularity is growing rapidly and provides a vital unifying platform for youth development.
He concluded by reaffirming PNG’s readiness to host the tournament.
“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.”