The Minister for Sports and Higher Education, Don Polye today announced the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Men’s National team that will take part in the second Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup that is scheduled for October in New Caledonia.
The PNG Kapuls side will be defending their title this year in Noumea, New Caledonia after winning the inaugural MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Vanuatu last year. Head Coach Harrison Kamake, who took the PNG Team last year to Vanuatu is looking forward to bringing this year’s team to New Caledonia.
The Kapuls team is set to fly out on the 5th of October for the tournament, which will kick off on the 8th to the15th in Noumea.
The PNG Kapuls Squad Players Names and Position Divisions are as follows:
Goal Keepers
1. Dave Tomare
2. Charles Lepani
Midfield
3. Emmanuel Simon
4. Yagi Yasasa
5. Joseph Joe
6. Pala Paul
7. Orbert Simon
Forwards
8. Ati Kepo
9. Kolu Kepo
10. Rex Naime
11. Raymond Guneamba
12. Nigel Dabinyaba
13. Santo Manu
14. Tommy Semmy
Officials
1. Head of Delegation-John Susuve
2. Head Coach- Harrison Kemake
3. Assistant Coach- David Muta
4. Team Manager- Gari Moka
5. Goalkeeper Coach- Godfrey Baniau
6. Physio- Jimmy Kepas
7. Technical Advisor- David Aua
Minister Polye stated that this team is also training in preparation for the upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara in the Solomon Islands this November. He also said that this team must be held together for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as this is a good team that is made up of experienced and upcoming young players.
“PNG Football has had its share of issues in recent times, and I hope this team will go and erase some bad images of PNG Football. Because this is a regional government initiative, the PNG Sports Foundation is in charge while the player’s names were recommended from the Papua New Guinea Football Association.”
“On behalf of Prime Minister James Marape, and the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, we wish the PNG Kapuls all the very best to defend the title as the MSG Football Kings.”
Meanwhile, Minister Polye said the MSG Sports Committee is also discussing the Women’s division of this as well as the inclusion of other sports into the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup in the coming years