My first visit to Ambae Island was both meaningful and fulfilling. As the media representative for the Vanuatu Football Federation, I had the opportunity to document and share every match from the 2024–2025 PFA Qualifier held at the Saratamata Football Field. I’m pleased to report that we were able to stream all 46 matches through our official Facebook page. The tournament was not just a sporting success but also highlighted the community’s strong engagement and enthusiasm for football.
Held from Sunday, May 18 to Saturday, May 24, the tournament featured 12 football teams and 14 futsal teams. It served as the official qualifier to determine Penama’s representatives for the 2025 VFF Men’s Champions League. Beyond the action on the pitch, the event became a celebration of unity, regional pride, and grassroots football development.
To gain insight into the tournament’s significance, we spoke with Thomas Tau, president of the Penama Football Association (PFA), who shared his thoughts on the event and his work.
Interview with Thomas Tau, President of the Penama Football Association.
1. Can you tell us about the Penama Football Association, your role, and your daily responsibilities?
As president of the Penama Football Association, my primary responsibility is to ensure that structured football competitions are established and maintained across the three islands of Penama Province—Ambae, Maewo, and Pentecost. This includes senior men’s and women’s leagues, futsal, and youth development across all age groups. We aim to build a strong football culture that reaches every corner of the province.
2. Now that the one-week tournament has concluded, how do you feel about the experience?
I feel proud and grateful. Hosting the tournament at the Saratamata Football Field, located in the provincial headquarters, marked a significant milestone. It brought together the people of Penama, and the support from both the community and the provincial government fostered a true sense of ownership and pride.
3. What challenges did you face in organizing this event, and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges was ensuring that all teams and their management complied with tournament regulations and policies. At times, it was difficult, but we overcame this by taking the time to explain the reasons behind the rules and guiding them through the processes and expectations. Open communication helped us move forward together.
4. What kind of impact do you think this tournament had on the local community?
The tournament boosted morale and raised the standard of football in the province. It aligns with FIFA’s goal of making football accessible at the community level. The presence of experienced referees, such as FIFA Assistant Referee Jeremy Garae and OFC Referee Arnold Tari, had a positive impact, especially on our younger match officials. Their guidance and professionalism encouraged our local referees, several of whom have now been recommended for upcoming events such as the VFF Champions League and the VFF Youth Course in Santo.
5. Do you have a message for the players, staff, and everyone who supported the tournament and the PFA?
On behalf of the Penama Football Association, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the following supporters whose contributions made the tournament possible:
– Vanuatu Football Federation
– Members of Parliament from Penama
– Penama Provincial Government
– Penama Councillors
– PFA Executive Committee and league presidents
– PTAG members and provincial government staff
– Health Manager and Medical Team
– Commander of Penama and the Security Team
– VFF Media Team
– High Chiefs of Penama
– Game Coordinator Jimline Vañua
– FIFA Assistant Referee Jeremy Garae
– OFC Referee Arnold Tari
– Referee Instructors Kerry Ben and Edward Banga
– All participating football players
– Local businesses and sponsors
– Community leaders and church leaders
– Football families and fans
– Stakeholders
– The children of Penama, who are the future of football
– Penama Provincial Secretary-General, Moses Tiro Bani
Your dedication and support made the 2024–2025 Penama playoff a tremendous success. Moving forward, we must continue to strengthen our unity to create better opportunities for football development in the province.
Thank you all.
