Tusbab Stallions and Vitiaz United: the two good surprises of NSL season

Hekari United and Lae City are the most known clubs currently in Papua New Guinea; both sides top the league so far, but just behind them in the standings two new contenders appear to be in the running: Tusbab Stallions and Vitiaz United.

The Port Moresby-based side Vitiaz is taking part in the national league for the first time and they are already causing a lot of impact. Led by the experienced Eliud Fugre and Russel Nirik upfront, the club is currently at 3rd in the standings of PNG National Soccer League. Vitiaz got recognition nationwide after imposing a famous defeat to current national champions Lae City in Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium by 2-1 in their last encounter at PNG National Soccer League.

The only Madang-based side in the competition, Tusbab Stallions is getting wide recognition through their very good media service and also for their performances on the pitch. Stallions recorded the biggest win so far in the league – 5-0 against FC Kutubu – and also won their first ever match in Port Moresby after beating FC Boungainville by 2-1.

Stallions got noticed nationwide after a fantastic performance against the powerhouse Hekari United in PNG Football Stadium, where the home side scored a last-minute goal winner to break the hearts of the Madang fans. Despite their 2-1 defeat, the team received much praise by the local and national media and is set to make a huge crowd go to Laiwaden Oval to watch their upcoming match.

Stallions will count on the flair of the young star Stahl Gubag: the 20-year old is the top goalscorer of the season so far. The team is led by the only woman to coach a top-tier side in Oceania, Rachel Wadunah, who has also another talented young players in her squad, such as the brothers Ricky and Jason Wadunah and the striker Papalau Awele.

The next match for sides will have a special taste: both Vitiaz and Stallions are set to face each other in Madang at Laiwaden Oval in the upcoming round of PNG National Soccer League. A win will see Vitiaz hold on to their 3rd place, while a defeat will make the Lae-based side lose that spot to the Madang team. The owner of Vitiaz United, Matthew Strach said to Oceania Football Center: “We are wary of their potential [of Stallions] and with the incident last week we know they will be determined to get a win this weekend to make a statement. We will stick to our game plan of keeping to basic football and play the full 90 minutes“. The incident Mr. Strach mentioned in his statement is the scandal of obscene gestures of Hekari United player Joseph Joe to Stallions supporters in Stallions previous match in the league. A similar statement was given by Stallions general manager Conrad Wadunah, who is expecting a hard match and one of the most important so far in the league for his side – and is also hoping to count on the local fans for their loud support.

The good news for Papua New Guinean football lovers is that local Madang TV Station Tumbuna TV will be telecasting and streaming the match of Vitiaz United against Tusbab Stallions. It is expected a massive crowd at Laiwaden Oval will witness the most entertaining match of the weekend in the country. The duel will kick-off at 3pm in Madang – see here all details for tickets and venue.