By Vourie Molivakoro
Copyright dailypost
A 36-man national pre-selection squad for the upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s (PM)Cup has been announced yesterday.
The announcement was made by the Head Coach Richard Iwai, with majority of players from the Port Vila Football League, particularly from his home club, Icount Yatel FC.
The list features mostly players from the capital’s top clubs.
Icount Yatel has nine players, Tafea FC five, including siblings Tonny and Katver Kaltak. North Efate United contributes three, while Ifira Black Bird FC adds three more, including Johnwel Wohale, Kerry Fred, and long-range shooter Frank Ruben.
Erakor Golden Star FC has four players selected, including standout striker Ryan Wanemut, alongside teammates Massing Kalotang, Taman Roqara, and Jerry. Galaxy FC sees the inclusion of Henry Namatak and Malachi Andrew, while Penama FC contributes two strikers, including Virex Alex-Tabi.
Mauriki FC’s Miller Loloa, Captain Gerard Avock, and Nicholas King also make the list, adding experienced leadership to the mix.
Several clubs have a single representative: Navan Ben (Pango Green Bird FC), Jima (Tupuji Imere FC), Walter Leoru (United Malampa FC), and Eddie Vuti—a futsal specialist from Santo’s Classic FC.
Iwai acknowledged the heavy concentration of Port Vila-based players, stating that the short timeframe left him little choice but to select familiar faces.
“With the tournament just around the corner, I needed players who know my coaching style and can quickly adapt to the system,” said Iwai.
“Most of these players are from my club, Icount Yatel, because I know their strengths, and they know what I expect.”
Among Icount Yatel’s nine players are key figures like Zachariah Walu, Alex Zaniel, Michel Coulon, Richard Waisale, Alick Worworbu, Robea Iaruel, and Lucas Avock, many of whom have already worked under Iwai’s guidance and are expected to form the core of the final squad.
The squad began training yesterday. Iwai confirmed that a final list of 23 players will be announced in the coming weeks following intensive training sessions and internal assessments.
While apologizing for the limited inclusion of players from other Member Associations (MAs) outside Port Vila, Iwai emphasized the logistical challenges posed by the short preparation window.
“I would love to include more boys from across Vanuatu, but time is against us,” he said.
“Still, this doesn’t mean that only experienced or international players will be considered. Any footballer with the right mindset and commitment will have the chance to represent Vanuatu.”
The MSG PM Cup will be held this November in Papua New Guinea.
