Domestic football has returned to Port Vila with the start of the 2026/27 PVFA Opening Cup, bringing clubs from Vanuatu’s capital back into competitive action ahead of the new league season. The tournament, organised by the Port Vila Football Association, features teams from different divisions and serves as preparation for the regular championship, which is scheduled to begin in November.
The opening weekend provided two closely contested Super League encounters on Saturday, 10 October, with both matches ending 1-1. Newly promoted Tafea FC shared the points with North Efate United, while defending league champions Galaxy FC were held by Ifira Black Bird at Port Vila Stadium.
Tafea, returning to the highest division after winning the 2025/26 Premier League, made an encouraging start against North Efate United. Benjamin Naviti opened the scoring in the fourth minute, giving Tafea an early advantage, but Moise O equalised for North Efate in the 73rd minute to secure a draw. The result marked Tafea’s first competitive appearance in the new Super League campaign.
In the other match, Ifira Black Bird took the lead against Galaxy through Silvain Tenene in the 68th minute, only for Andrew Malakai to respond just two minutes later. The 1-1 draw ensured that neither side could establish an early advantage in Pool B, which also includes iCount Yatel.
The Premier League Opening Cup also produced entertaining encounters. Tupuji Imere defeated Erakor Golden Star 2-1 at Freshwater Stadium, the results provided an early indication of the competition awaiting clubs in the second tier as they prepare for another domestic season.
According to PVFA president Harry Atisson, the Opening Cup is intended to help clubs prepare for the forthcoming championship. He explained to Oceania Football Center that the traditional pre-season tournament had operated for the previous four years under the Have Vanuatu Made Cup name, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Trades. This year, PVFA has taken responsibility for sponsoring the competition itself.
The Super League Opening Cup is divided into two groups of three teams. Pool A features Tafea, North Efate United and Naka, while Pool B consists of Galaxy, Ifira Black Bird and iCount Yatel. Following the opening matches, all four participating clubs have one point, leaving both groups evenly balanced.
The tournament is scheduled to continue until 24 October, providing further opportunities for clubs to assess their squads and develop match fitness before the regular league championship begins in November. For Port Vila football, the return of domestic competition also brings renewed attention to a league system that continues to develop alongside Vanuatu’s growing involvement in professional football through Vanuatu United in the OFC Pro League.
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