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Head coach for the national senior men’s team for the MSG Prime Minister’s (PM) Cup, Lars Hopp, has expressed confidence as the team gears up for the regional tournament kicking off soon in Papua New Guinea. The 49-year-old German coach will be assisted by Richard Iwai, who has been instrumental in assembling and preparing the squad. Iwai is the head coach for iCount Yatel FC in the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA). The pair will work together to guide Vanuatu through the 4th edition of the MSG Cup. “I’m very happy to have Richard assisting me for this tournament,” said Hopp. “He has done a great job putting together this team. It’s his squad, and I’m filling in as head coach under the licensing requirements, but on the field it’s a true partnership. We will both ensure the boys perform well for the country.” Hopp brings with him a wealth of international experience. A UEFA Pro License holder, he also has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and over 20 years of coaching and leadership experience, including more than 100 international matches at youth and professional levels. His career spans across Germany, Norway, and England as a semi-professional player, and later as a coach. Hopp has served as Head Coach for Estonia’s U19, U17, and U15 national teams, and most recently worked as a FIFA Talent Coach for Uzbekistan in 2024. Acknowledging the value of collaboration in smaller football nations, Hopp emphasized teamwork and shared commitment as key ingredients for success. “It is a small country, and we need cooperation and commitment to create a good team,” he said. “Training is one thing, but the games are the most important part — and I can see that the players are eager to represent Vanuatu. Together, we can achieve something good.” Assistant coach Iwai said he is pleased to have the support of an experienced professional like Hopp and believes his arrival is a great advantage for Vanuatu football. “I’m happy that Coach Hopp is here to lead the team,” Iwai said. “We are blessed to have a professional, licensed coach. I have trained the boys for a month, and now we’ll work closely together to prepare them to represent Vanuatu proudly.” He added that support from fans, families, and the wider community will be crucial for the young team. “This is a young squad, and they need our prayers and unity. When we work together, we can make the nation proud,” Iwai added. The team will depart for Papua New Guinea this weekend, carrying high hopes of making a strong impression at the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
