OFC President in town

From left to right: Host Organizing Committee (HOC) Legal Advisor, HOC Chairman Leonard Louma, OFC President Lambert Maltock, & PNGFA President John Kapi Natto.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President, Lambert Maltock, arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday (16th November 2025) to watch the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup, which is currently underway at Sir John Guise Stadium and PNG Football Stadium.  

Mr. Maltock not only sits at the helm of the OFC post, but he is also the President of Vanuatu Football Federation and Senior Vice President of FIFA. He is the first Ni-Vanuatu and Pacific Islander to become the OFC president and vice president of FIFA.     

The OFC boss emphasized that he was impressed to see the growth of football in the Oceania region, particularly in Melanesia, praising the Host Organizing Committee and PNGFA for their hospitality and honoring PNG’s Golden Jubilee.

“I am very humbled and honored by your hospitality in welcoming me to PNG. I’m very delighted to be here to join you all in the celebration of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary and watch the MSG PM’s Cup,” he said.

“Today is a very special moment, especially for me. As someone from Melanesia, I’m taking the lead in trying to grow football in Oceania. I did not come here just to take this chance as a privilege, but I have a duty to promote Oceania to become a professional confederation.”

Mr. Maltock mentioned that without the support of PNGFA under the leadership of president John Kapi Natto, he would not have become the OFC president and FIFA vice president. He sincerely thanked Mr. Natto and PNGFA for their unwavering support, urging everyone to work together to elevate Oceania’s football standard.  

He also praised the inclusion of the women’s inaugural participation in this fourth edition of the tournament, noting the significance of promoting gender equality and raising the standard of women’s football in Oceania, more specifically in Melanesia.

“I fully support this initiative because women’s football can deliver surprises. We must work harder to support the women’s teams. We can not call ourselves football nations if we only focus on men and leave our women behind. I stand with FIFA’s commitment to elevate the standard of women’s football,” he stated.

In addition, the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) President John Kapi Natto acknowledged Mr. Maltock’s presence in the nation’s capital to witness the annual MSG PM’s Cup on PNG’s home soil. 

President Natto noted the importance of the MSG PM’s Cup, stating: “The MSG PM”s Cup is a special tournament. It brings our youth together, bridges the gaps, fosters camaraderie, and promotes the Melanesian way. It’s not just about trophies, it’s about building relationships.” 

Meanwhile, the two-week tournament concluded its round-robin games yesterday (17th November), with the playoffs starting tomorrow (19th November) and the grand final to be staged on Sunday, 23rd November.