We have seen some historic successes; Fiji getting the first win for an Oceania side at the FIFA U-20 World Cup was quickly followed by New Zealand’s passage to the Round of 16 for the first time and then Tahiti’s impressive return to the world stage where they became the first OFC team to qualify for the final of a FIFA tournament.
While that was a team effort, we also have to acknowledge the outstanding performances of Heimanu Taiarui and Jonathan Torohia who were named the best player and best goalkeeper in the world – all the more impressive when you consider they were up against the likes of Portugal veterans Madjer and Alan.
Closer to home, the XV Pacific Games were a huge success not just on the football field but for each of the teams and nations taking part, as well as the host city Port Moresby and its people.
The whole country got behind the Games and everything they stand for. The camaraderie of the athletes from different countries and across sporting disciplines was a delight to behold and of special note for me was the way the Government and the Sports Council came together to pull off this event which will have people talking for years to come.
The atmosphere during the women’s final was outstanding and made the team’s historic fourth Pacific Games gold medal even more special. The XV Pacific Games, and this match in particular, was an excellent precursor for what we can expect from the fans during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2016.
Germany, Spain, France and Sweden have already qualified from UEFA setting the bar high for the calibre of football we will witness in Papua New Guinea from the outset. As hosts, Papua New Guinea will represent Oceania with pride, and I cannot wait to hear which nation will be joining them at the conclusion of the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship in October.

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