Keleiruna Snatch PMSA Preseason Title

Keleiruna FC secured the Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) preseason title after holding Defence FC to a 3-1 win on Sunday, 1st March 2026, at Bisini Sports Grounds.

Entering the pitch with high energy and emotions, both sides quickly assembled into their attacking formations to find the back of the net.

Keleiruna wasted no time and scored the first goal in the 4th minute by Karo Waea, putting the eventual champions in the front seat. 

After 18 minutes of chasing their first goal, Defence leveled the score in the 21st minute, courtesy of Troy Deland, leaving the half-time score at 1-1.

The Central men upped their tempo in the second half to score 2 quick goals and defended their lead until the final whistle.

Coach David Taro said he was proud of his men’s performance, noting the team’s goal in the proper season to play in the premier division. 

“Thank you to the boys for their effort and hard work towards the game,” he stated.

“It’s preseason, but everybody wants to play to the standard because our aim this season is to get promoted to division 1.

“We want to maintain the standard so that when we go into the proper season, we are already in the system and prepared for the challenge.”

Taro added that four players from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) guided the team to claim the title, describing how the young players learned a lot from the senior players.

Mr. Taro thanked the sponsors, the players’ families, and the fans for their support, encouraging everyone to stick with the team in the proper season.   

Keleiruna’s U-19 boys also won the preseason title, with the club having double celebrations to end the preseason and look forward to the proper season. 

Keleiruna is a club from Keapara village in Rigo District, Central Province. The team comprises most players from the villages, along with a few boys in the city.