Raymond Gunemba to lead PNG Kapuls title defence on home soil

Veteran striker Raymond Gunemba will lead the Papua New Guinea Kapuls as they aim to defend their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title on home soil when the tournament kicks off in Port Moresby from November 10 to 22, 2025. 

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) today (27th October 2025) announced the four national squads selected to represent the country in what promises to be a historic event — featuring both the fourth edition of the Men’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup and the inaugural Women’s  MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. 

This year’s tournament marks a major milestone for Melanesian football — the fourth edition of the Men’s Prime Minister’s Cup and the first-ever women’s tournament, providing an equal platform for the region’s female footballers to compete at the same level of recognition and prestige. 

Matches will be staged at the Sir John Guise Stadium and the PNG Football Stadium,  while Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium will host two exhibition matches on November 16, bringing the excitement of the tournament to fans in Morobe Province. 

Papua New Guinea will be represented across four divisions: 

• Men’s Senior National Team (PNG Kapuls) – defending champions after winning  the 2024 edition in the Solomon Islands 

• Women’s Senior National Team – competing in the inaugural Women’s MSG  Prime Minister’s Cup 

• Men’s Development Team (U23) 

• Women’s Development Team (U20) 

Gunemba, one of PNG’s most experienced players, is set to play a key leadership role as the  Kapuls look to retain their title in front of home fans. His inclusion reflects the blend of experience and youth that the PNGFA Technical Department has emphasized in preparing the national squads. 

PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said hosting the tournament and fielding four national teams reflects the growth and depth of football in Papua New Guinea. 

“It is an honor for PNG to host the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, and to see our men defending their title on home soil under the leadership of one of our most respected players,” President Kapi Natto said. 

“This tournament will also mark a historic milestone for women’s football in Melanesia, with the introduction of the inaugural women’s competition.”

The four squads are expected to convene into camps in the coming week under the guidance of the PNGFA Technical Department.

Squad – PNG Gold (Senior Men’s Team – Kapuls) Dave Tomare, Nabo Pongi, Jordan Tobem (Goalkeepers), Kasium Gabriel, Elijah Potua, Philip Steven, Shane Sakael, Ila Anni, Daniel Joe,  Thomas Yagum (Defenders), Joseph Joe, Abraham Allen Emmanual Simon, Paul Pala, Yagi Yasasa,  Solomon Rani (Midfields), Rex Naime, Ati Kepo, Oberth Simon, Nigel Dabinyaba, Iamo Manu,  Raymond Gunemba, Jonathan Allen, Tommy Semmy (Forwards). Officials: Gari Moka (Team  Manager), David Muta (Head Coach), Bob Morris (Assistant Coach), Godfrey Baniau (Goalkeeper  Coach),  

PNG Red (Men’s Development squad) Daniel Sakora, Gui Laka, Joseph Brown (Goal Keepers), Albert Robert, Charles David, Charles Hayes, Ricky Nathan, Henry Kurkur, Joe Dennis, Nelson  Karaun, Riva Waira, Dave Kaporo (Defenders), Gordon Mark, Jason Wadunah, Nickson Bernard,  Rodney Joseph, Sileon Hatagao (Midfields), David Tita, Gani Gapi, Matu Ben, Nalau Moses,  Raphael Rudolf, Wesley Elizah, Tapin Suraro (Forwards). Officials: Nathaniel Pomat (Team Manager), Harrison Kamake (Head Coach), Valentine Nelson (Assistant Coach), David Kaura (Goalkeeper Coach), 

PNG Gold (Senior Women’s Team) Betty Sam, Leah Loi, Faith Kasiray (Goal Keepers), Merolyne  Sali, Shalom Waida, Raynata Samuel, Grace Baity, Serah Waida, Olivia Upaupa, Anastasia Gunemba (Defenders), Phylis Pala, Christie Maneu, Asaiso Gosi, Mavis Singara, Ramona Padio (Midfields), Carlista Maneo, Keren Kalapai, Marie Kaipu, Nenny Elipas, Charlie Yandin, Anorlda Dou, Megan  Gunemba, Michaelyne Butubu (Strikers) Officials: Colleen McNamara (Team Manager), Eric  Komeng (Head Coach), Edna Thomas (Assistant Coach), Godfrey Baniau (Goalkeeper Coach),  

PNG Red (U20 Women’s) Emeliah Toks, Helina Danikae George, Concepta Jemimah Kawik (Goal  Keepers), Natasha Sagem, Gloria Robert, Joy Manue, Salome Taboroyan, Pauline Potua, Kila  Doura, Fidelma Wani, Dorothy Dei (Defenders), Claudie Kawok, Tessie Daniel, Takilsha Metvol  Nolih, Mareerose Wadunah, Lisi Junita Robert, Oscarlina Gunemba (Midfields), Hakaria Carwin  Pessar, Raylene Donald, Vira Gunemba, Mina Willie, Anjelika Raminai, Samantha Franklin,  Ginnimari Wambi, Jill Andrew (Forwards). Officials: Nancy Inai (Team Manager), Susan Steven  (Head Coach), Barbara Muta (Assistant Coach), Paul Peter Kawik (Goalkeeper Coach).

PC: Supplied