PNG set to host MSG PM’s Cup

Papua New Guinea is gearing up to stage the fourth edition of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup, slated for 10-22 November 2025, in Port Moresby. 

Five countries have confirmed their participation, featuring PNG, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.

Remarkably, women’s teams will be participating in the MSG PM’s Cup for the first time since the tournament started three years ago.

The tournament was initially scheduled to be hosted in Port Moresby and Lae. However, Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium is under construction, so Sir John Guise Stadium will be the sole host of the event.

Under the theme “Melanesian Unity, Culture & Friendship”, the MSG PM’s Cup is an integral part of forging cooperation between the Melanesian countries - not only in sports but in the economic, trade, political, and cultural spaces. 

PNG Kapuls were crowned the inaugural champions of the tournament in 2022. The Solomon Islands stole the title from PNG in 2023, and PNG reclaimed the cup last year. 

Having the advantage of hosting the event, PNG will be aiming to defend their title on home soil and give the fans a fitting 50th Independence Anniversary celebration.

MSG PM’s Cup Host Organizing Committee Chairman, Leonard Louma, gave an update on the preparations ahead of the tournament set to kick off next Monday.

“The MSG PM’s Cup is a very, very important sporting event that the leaders of MSG themselves have endorsed for the Melanesian countries to participate in,” Mr. Louma said.

“We have faced some challenges, but this is Papua New Guinea. We have always pulled off events of this magnitude, even if we are given only the eleventh hour to prepare. 

“I must give credit to the PNG Sports Foundation, PNG Football Association, and National Sports Trust Limited - all of them have worked very hard to make sure that we are on track to deliver the tournament.

“The grounds have been prepared that are up to OFC and FIFA standards for the participating teams to use for training and competition.

“Many of our participating teams have already sent in their lists and schedules for arrival, so we are all ready, and I know PNG will pull off this tournament in ways that will bring pride and satisfaction to our country.”

MSG PM’s Cup Tournament Director, Noel Mobiha, added: “We want to thank PNGFA as our national association for allowing its staff to come and help us in getting the logistics and things prepared for the tournament.

“We also want to thank the PNG Sports Foundation and the MSG Secretariat for giving us the support to host the tournament. 

“Our compliance issues are addressed and aligned with the FIFA standard, and we want to get things done the right way.

“We planned to host the tournament in Lae because it has a big following in the country, but Lae hasn’t matched the FIFA compliance checks in terms of the venue, so Port Moresby will host all the games.

“Despite this setback, we are set to go. We are positive about delivering a successful and peaceful tournament.”

The teams will be accommodated at the Hilton Hotel and Holiday Inn, respectively, while the match officials will stay at Airways. Boroko Motors will provide transportation for the teams, including the match officials. 

The government has committed K14.7m, with the business houses to chip in as well. The host nation (PNG) will cover the costs of all the participating teams, including accommodation, transportation, etc. 

Mr. Louma urged the fans to turn up on game day, with the ticket price ranging from K5 on the outer stands and K10 for the grandstand, and children under 10 years of age are free, while students will pay K2. 

The purpose of the MSG PM's Cup is to develop football talent in Melanesian countries and prepare teams for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, fostering regional solidarity and identity through sports, especially soccer or football.

It serves as a FIFA-recognized tournament for the best Pacific teams outside of New Zealand and Tahiti, creating a pathway for young players to showcase their skills and potentially gain professional opportunities.