Papua New Guinea’s national football teams, the PNG Kapuls and PNG Bilums, have arrived in Fiji ahead of the 2026 MSG Prime Ministers Cup Football Tournament.
The tournament will be held in Suva from September 17 to October 3, bringing together Melanesian nations for another regional football contest.
The Kapuls will be looking to improve on their runners-up finish in last year’s tournament, which was hosted in Papua New Guinea.
The Bilums, meanwhile, return as the defending women’s champions after making history by winning the inaugural women’s MSG Prime Ministers Cup title last year.
The Bilums squad includes experienced internationals such as Betty Sam, Ramona Padio, Yvonne Gabong, Marie Kaipu and Meagan Gunemba, alongside a number of emerging players.
They will be coached by Ericson Komeng, assisted by Edna Thomas, with David Kaura as goalkeeper coach.
The Kapuls will be aiming to go one step further this year after falling short in last year’s final.
Head Coach Bob Morris has named a squad featuring experienced internationals and emerging talent, including Ronald Warisan, Tommy Semmy, David Tita, Hossain Kaio, Solomon Rani, Yagi Yasasa and Daniel Joe.
The Papua New Guinea Football Association says it remains committed to ensuring the national teams participate in important regional competitions and that players have opportunities to represent the country internationally.
PNGFA says there were challenges surrounding participation in this year’s tournament, but it continued to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure both teams could travel to Fiji.
The Association says the participation of the Kapuls and Bilums is important for player development and maintaining strong sporting relationships across the Melanesian region.
Both teams have now settled in Fiji and will turn their attention to their final preparations.
The Kapuls open their campaign against Vanuatu on September 17, while the Bilums begin their title defence against Fiji on September 18.
For both teams, the goal is to compete strongly, represent Papua New Guinea with pride and fly the national colours on the regional stage.
PNG KAPULS FIXTURES
September 17: PNG vs Vanuatu — 2pm
September 23: PNG vs New Caledonia — 5pm
September 26: PNG vs Fiji — 5pm
September 29: PNG vs Solomon Islands — 2pm
PNG BILUMS FIXTURES
September 18: PNG vs Fiji — 5pm
September 21: PNG vs New Caledonia — 2pm
September 27: PNG vs Vanuatu — 5pm
September 30: PNG vs Solomon Islands
PNG BILUMS SQUAD
Players: Betty Sam, Ramona Padio, Olivia Upaupa, Merolyne Sali, Serah Waida, Raynata Samuel, Anastasia Gunemba, Mavis Singara, Yvonne Gabong, Phylis Pala, Hortance Kimit, Michaelyne Butubu, Marie Kaipu, Karen Kalapai, Ginnimarie Wambi, Meagan Gunemba, Leah Loi, Nenny Elipas, Calista Maneo and Emeliah Toks.
Officials: Ericson Komeng – Head Coach; Edna Thomas – Assistant Coach; David Kaura – Goalkeeper Coach; Jenny Witu – Kit Manager.
PNG KAPULS SQUAD
Players: Ronald Warisan, Dave Tomare, Jordan Tobem, Langarap Samol, Ezekiel Vela, Bomecge Basananuc, Henry Kurkur, Ferdahlas Namuesh, Daniel Joe, Abraham Allen, Yagi Yasasa, Solomon Rani, Obert Simon, Ati Kepo, Rex Naime, David Tita, Hossain Kaio, Tommy Semmy, Solomon Kamake and Nalau Moses.
Officials: Bob Morris – Head Coach; Gari Moka – Team Manager; Andrew Marampau – Kit Manager; Harrison Kamake – Technical Advisor; Martin Alok – National Team Administrator.