Komara retain PSL Title

The PRK Gulf Komara FC defended the 2026 Papua New Guinea Football Association-sanctioned Premier Soccer League (PSL) title after finishing at the top of the competition ladder. 

Komara finished the 2026 PSL season with 50 competition points, securing 16 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses across the 22-round competition to win their second consecutive national title.

No grand final was held to determine the ultimate winner due to disruptions with the games caused by the OFC U-16 Men’s tournament and FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers during the season.

The Gulf men not only won the coveted premiership title but also claimed the minor premiership trophy, ending their 2026 campaign with double celebrations. 

Gulf Komara FC assistant coach Mante Kavoe said it was pleasing to win back-to-back PSL titles, attributing the success to the team’s discipline, players’ dedication, and the club’s prudent management. 

“It’s an overwhelming feeling. We’ve worked a lot in the last ten years to build this club, especially David Aua, the head coach,” Kavoe expressed.  

“To win back-to-back titles is something you can’t get every season. It comes back to the players’ effort, management support, and the way we look after the players on and off the field.

“Basically, it’s discipline and the fundamentals of soccer that we’ve instilled in the players that have brought us this far, and we are glad and very proud to win the competition for the second time.” 

Coach David Aua’s assistant highlighted that the consecutive championship successes in PNG’s top domestic competition meant a lot to the people of the Gulf province.

“In the Gulf, most of them don’t play soccer. They mostly play rugby league, netball, and volleyball,” Kavoe said. 

“Soccer is a different prospect that they’ve come up with an agreement with the Gulf provincial government to create opportunities for the Gulf youths to showcase their football skills. 

“I think the back-to-back championship wins mean so much to the people, and we are proud to represent Gulf as a team.”

Although the club is from the Gulf, the majority of the team comprises players from Central province and other parts of the country, with a few from the Gulf.

The assistant coach mentioned that a couple of Komara players are on PNG Hekari FC’s radar ahead of the 2027 OFC Professional League season two. 

“There are a few players that come to Hekari’s attention. If they want to go and play in the Pro League, the club won’t stop them,” Kavoe said.

In addition, Kavoe revealed that Komara plans to field a women’s team to participate in the Women’s National Conference Soccer League (WNSCL) in 2027. 

“The management has thought about putting a women’s team in the WNSCL next year. We are definitely going to have a women’s team next year and also our U-18 women’s team,” he said. 

“We’ve worked around the clock to scout some players in Port Moresby and outside centres. Our aim now is to challenge the Hekari women’s team, who have remained five-time champions.

“If we can do it with the men’s team, we can do it with the women’s team. We are ready to bring the girls into the WNCSL next year.”

Mr. Kavoe, on behalf of Gulf Komara FC, expressed his deepest gratitude to the club’s corporate sponsors, whose unwavering financial and operational backing provided the team with the resources required to compete at the highest professional standard. 

He also thanked the players’ families and fans, acknowledging the coaching staff and team management, whose endless sacrifices, understanding, and emotional support have powered the team throughout the season.

The defending champions now look forward to representing PNG and participating in the 2027 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Champions League, slated for August 29 to September 11 in Fiji. 

“Last year, we fell short for the minor premiership title and missed out in the O-League, but we told ourselves that we would go to the next level this year, and we did it,” Kavoe said.  

“Our aim now is the O-League. We’ll go and represent the country and bring back the pride of PNG soccer.” 

Meanwhile, the 2026 Premier Soccer League top 4 teams split the K500,000 grand prize, with Komara pocketing the biggest money.

• Winners: Gulf Komara FC - K200,000

• Runners-up: PNG Hekari FC - K150,000

• Third Place: Lae City FC - K100,000

• Fourth Place: Port Moresby Strikers - K50,000