Vanuatu rewards women’s MSG Cup champions with VT200,000 each as men’s team also recognised

Vanuatu’s government has awarded financial incentives to members of its men’s and women’s national football teams following their successful campaigns at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Fiji. Each player from the women’s championship-winning squad received VT200,000, while members of the men’s team were awarded VT150,000 each in recognition of their runners-up finish.

The payments were presented by Minister responsible for Sports Job Andy during a ceremony on Friday, November 6, according to VBTC News. The initiative recognises the achievements of both national teams, which reached their respective finals during the regional tournament held in Suva between September and October.

The women’s national team produced one of Vanuatu’s most significant recent football achievements by defeating defending champions Papua New Guinea in the final on October 3.

After Nenny Elipas gave PNG an early advantage, Leimata Simon equalised before halftime, with the match eventually finishing 1-1 after extra time. Vanuatu went on to win 5-4 in the penalty shootout, ending Papua New Guinea’s unbeaten run in the competition and securing the country’s first women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title.

Goalkeeper Amelia Reddy played an important role in the victory, making a decisive save during the shootout before being recognised as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Her performances had already received individual recognition from Prime Minister Jotham Napat, who presented her with VT150,000 following the tournament. That earlier award was separate from the latest incentives distributed to the national teams.

Vanuatu also collected the Women’s Golden Ball award through Kelly Kaltack, while the team received recognition for fair play during the competition.

The men’s national team came close to completing a historic double for the country.

Having won the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, Vanuatu entered the tournament as defending champions and finished top of the round-robin standings, earning another appearance in the final.

Their campaign included a 1-0 victory over hosts Fiji during the group stage, but the result was reversed when the teams met again in the championship decider.

Fiji midfielder Thomas Dunn scored in the tenth minute, giving the Bula Boys a 1-0 victory and ending Vanuatu’s hopes of successfully defending their title.

Despite the defeat, Vanuatu’s men finished as silver medallists, while Tony Kaltack shared the competition’s Golden Boot award with Solomon Islands forwards Raphael Lea’i and Javin Wae after all three scored three goals.

The government’s decision to recognise both teams financially follows the celebrations held in Port Vila after their return from Fiji, when players and officials were welcomed by supporters and government representatives.

The payments also come as Vanuatu prepares to host the 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, providing both national teams with an opportunity to build on their recent performances in front of their home supporters.

For the women’s team, the upcoming competition will offer a chance to defend their newly won regional title, while the men’s side will seek to reclaim the trophy they lost in Suva.

The financial incentives represent another recognition of Vanuatu’s strong showing in Melanesian football, with both national teams receiving government support following a tournament that delivered a historic championship and two appearances in the finals.