Papua New Guinea’s football community shocked due Lae City’s Walbo Komuna passing

The football community in Papua New Guinea is in mourning following the untimely passing of Lae City FC player Walbo Komuna on July 3rd. The 29-year-old full-back was a key figure in Lae City FC’s recent successes and was set to make his sixth consecutive season with the club.

Komuna’s death has led to an outpouring of grief from teammates and fans alike. Alwin Komolong, the captain of the Papua New Guinea national team and a defender based in Australia, expressed his sorrow on social media. Lae City FC also shared a heartfelt message on their social media platforms:

“Today the Lae City FC and its management is in great sorrow for the loss of one of its key players, the late Walbo Komuna who passed away earlier in the week. We would like to confirm that until the untimely passing away of Walbo Komuna, he was an integral team member of Lae City FC. Late Walbo played his final season with Lae City FC bowing out of the quarter final last season (2023). He joined the club in 2019 as a midfielder and pushed to the flanks then finally settling down holding the turf at the Lae City FC’s backline. Late Walbo rose to the occasion with Lae City FC participating in the 2020 OFC Qualifiers in Vanuatu then in 2022 OFC Qualifiers in New Zealand.”

Ronald Warisan, the captain of Lae City FC, also paid tribute to Komuna, highlighting his dedication and character:

“Late Walbo stood out amongst the rest to be different, staying away from drugs and alcohol and had little time to socialize with his peers. Knowing Walbo was in front of him at the goalmouth came down to trust and it all goes back to late Walbo’s humbleness and commitment to the team both on and off the field. He has been with us all throughout the fight, even when he was down. The reality of his absence has already sipped in and he is an asset to the team to be missed forever,” Warisan said.

Komuna was not only known for his skills on the field but also for his leadership off it. From a mixed parentage of Nabak in Morobe and the Central province, he grew up at the University of Technology, eventually rising to captain the Unitech-based Sobou FC while playing for Lae City FC.

The loss of Walbo Komuna is deeply felt across the football community in Papua New Guinea, and his contributions to Lae City FC will be remembered for years to come.