Preparations to host the third edition of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup in Honiara from December 10-22 has stepped up.
A joint Cabinet-sanctioned Local Organizing Committee, comprising Government and Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Officials commenced strategic meetings this week.
This followed the signing of the Host Agreement between the MSG and the Solomon Islands Government last month.
The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, formerly known as the Melanesia Cup, is a soccer competition played between the five Melanesian countries of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia.
In 2022, the premier Melanesian soccer tournament was revived under the current name, the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, after more than twenty years sanctioned by the MSG in collaboration with a host country.
Vanuatu hosted the first edition of the tournament in 2022 followed by New Caledonia in 2023 and Solomon Islands in 2024.
The LOC is also working on the preparations for the MSG Sports Officials and Ministerial Meetings which will be hosted at the margins of the Tournament.
With the huge task ahead for Solomon Islands, Chair of the LOC and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jeffrey Deve expressed confidence in the LOC that Solomon Islands will successfully host the event, regardless of the limited time available to prepare for the tournament.
“With the combined efforts and determination of the LOC with technical guidance from SIFF experts, I am confident we will host a successful tournament in Honiara next month,” Deve said.
Deve said hosting the event is an honour for Solomon Islands as the tournament has evolved from its earlier incarnation as the Melanesian Cup and transcends the realm of sports as a celebration of collective culture, unity, and the vibrant spirit that defines Melanesia.
The Solomon Islands Government through the LOC is actively working with the MSG Secretariat to communicate with member countries on preparations.
Solomon Islands is the defending champions of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup after winning the second edition in New Caledonia last year. PNG won the first edition hosted in Port Vila, Vanuatu in 2022.
