2nd MSG PRIME MINISTER’S CUP: UNITED BY SPORT, LINKED BY CULTURE

PORT VILA, VANUATU (9th October 2023): The second edition of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup was officially opened at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia, with a parade of delegations from the competing countries of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia on Saturday, 7th October 2023.

Under the theme, "United by sport, linked by culture", the tournament aims to strengthen cultural ties among Melanesian countries and spread the values of exchange and sharing through sports.

On behalf of the Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Leonard Louma, Senior Advisor Chris Waiwori, conveyed the Secretariat’s warm appreciation and gratitude to the Government of New Caledonia, and the FLNKS as a Member of the MSG, for the confidence and capability expressed to host the regional competition.

The main objective of the MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup, among others, is to provide an avenue to advance and improve the competitiveness of the MSG Members’ national football teams (both men and women) into new heights.

Mr Waiwori said the short-term objective is to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and to ensure that one of the MSG Member team qualifies for a spot at the FIFA World Cup.

The long-term vision he said, is to ensure that both male and female football talents and competency in the MSG are developed to a standard commensurate with other leading national football teams from other football confederations in the world.

“Above all, our gathering here in New Caledonia is yet again a testament of our Solidarity, as envisioned by our MSG Leaders, to enhance people-to-people interaction and sharing.

“Today also marks an important opportunity for us to show our respects and gratitude to our brothers and sisters in New Caledonia who are very much part of our Melanesian family,” he said.

The inaugural PM’s Cup, hosted by Vanuatu last year, was a culmination of a dream by our MSG Leaders, to revive the Melanesian Cup under the banner of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup.

The Local Organizing Committee and the New Caledonia Football Association, Oceania Football Confederation, sponsors, in particular the Government of Australia were also acknowledged and commended for the continuous support. Fiji is not participating due to lack of availability.

The tournament is scheduled for 8th-14th October.

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Caption: Teams lining up for the opening parade to mark the launch of the 2nd MSG Prime Minister's Cup.