Wawa FC player showcasing raw athleticism with sheer determination in the friendly game against Manus’s powerhouse – Admiralty Island FC opponent on Sunday.
Rising football club Wawa FC has continued to capture attention with a spirited performance against Manus-based powerhouse Admiralty Island FC in a thrilling weekend build-up series that showcased determination, raw talent and the growing dreams of a young Morobe district under the leadership of Destiny Party Leader and Wau Waria MP, Hon Marsh Narewec.
Despite facing one of Manus Province’s government-backed sides, Wawa FC stood their ground in two fiercely contested matches filled with energy and moments of physical battles. Admiralty FC narrowly edged the opening encounter 2-1 after an intense clash that tested both squads from kickoff to the final whistle. But Wawa FC responded with grit and composure in the second match, fighting back to secure an exciting 2-2 draw in front of passionate supporters.
The showdown was the club’s first official build-up game ahead of the National Premiere Soccer League (PSL) launch on the 28th of this month (May), with their opening PSL clash set for May 30th.
While the scorelines reflected a competitive contest, the bigger victory for Wawa FC was the confidence and belief emerging within a squad built largely from untapped village talent.
Wawa FC squad in training at the Wau town oval, confident to showcase good team strength leading to the National PSL.
The club’s official coach, Troy Gunemba, is currently based in Lae due to work commitments. To strengthen the team’s preparations and allow the players to train more consistently under his guidance, the Wau Waria District Development Authority (DDA) is now preparing to relocate the club’s 30 man squad to the Okari Campus in Lae. The move is expected to place the squad closer to Coach Gunemba so he can actively conduct training sessions and closely monitor player development in between his work schedules.
Away on official duty, the Wau Waria MP, Hon Marsh Narewec shared an emotional message after seeing a group photo of the players and officials traveling together for the build-up matches last weekend.
“I am not there with you, but when I saw this picture, it moved me deeply and brought tears to my eyes. You all represent the hope of Wau Waria for peace, unity and identity to make Wau Waria great again,” he said.
The heartfelt message has resonated strongly among supporters, district officials and the community leaders, many of whom see the football club as more than just a team, but as a symbol of pride and opportunity for young people across the district.
Wawa FC is a young squad carrying the ambitions of the district’s emerging generation, with players drawn from remote communities as far as Garaina in the Waria LLG near the Morobe and the Oro provincial border. Many of these players are stepping onto a bigger football stage for the very first time, bringing with them raw athleticism, village toughness and an unwavering hunger to succeed.
As the squad continues its journey, Wawa FC is quickly becoming a powerful story of unity, resilience and hope, a team determined to prove that talent from the remotest corners of Papua New Guinea can rise and compete with the nation’s best.