Verave overcomes Sepik, setting sights on PMSA's Division One

Verave FC beat Sepik FC with a 3-1 win in Round 2 of the Vodafone Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) Men’s Division 2 clash on Saturday, 20 June 2026, at Bisini Soccer Grounds. 

With both teams sitting second (Verave) and third (Wewak) on the competition ladder in Division 2, this match-up delivered a thrilling finish.

A physical first half saw the two sides remain nil-all at halftime. However, the game opened up in the second half, with Verave scoring 3 goals and Wewak netting a consolation goal. 

Verave FC coach Peter Potua said the goals were hard to come by due to errors and missed opportunities: “Both teams played well in the first half, but found it difficult to score goals due to errors.

“However, I told my boys to settle down, stick to our game plan, and cut down on making mistakes. Hence, we were able to score 3 goals to defeat Wewak.”

Despite the victory, he mentioned that they had a lot to work on and polish up in the upcoming games, especially their dribbling and passing skills. 

Potua, a former soccer player, said the club had come a long way due to the strong support from the club’s executives, including the president, vice president, secretary, the people of Makerupu, and the fans. 

Peter’s son, Elijah, is the current PNG Kapuls defender. He plays for the Port Moresby Strikers in the Premier Soccer League. In fact, Peter’s kids are passionate football followers. 

Boosting Verave’s campaign for this season, Nescafe has sponsored the team with t-shirts and bags, with Potua expressing the club’s sincere appreciation to the company. 

Verave FC, a village-based team from Makerupu in Rigo, Central Province, has been a competitive side in the 2026 PMSA season. Verave means “beach” in the Hula language.

Established in 2005, the club has been a force in the city competition. However, the club exited the competition and rejoined the PMSA competition after participating in the NCD Governor’s Cup last year. 

The club comprises raw talents from Makerupu’s coastline, including Hula and surrounding villages, creating opportunities for the hidden talents to expose their skills in the nation's capital competition.  

Progressing through the ranks over the years, Verave FC has one goal this season: to reach the grand final, claim the coveted title, and get promoted to the first division in 2027.