Siwai retain Masiu cup in dramatic South Bougainville final

Siwai Team One has successfully defended their title at the 7th Masiu Football Cup, defeating South Telei One, 1–0 in a hard-fought grand final at the Hurai Primary School oval. The victory earned the champions a K15,000 top prize, while runners-up South Telei One walked away with K10,000.

In the third-place playoff, Siwai Team Two secured a 1–0 victory over South Telei Two to claim the K6,000 prize.

The women’s tournament was equally competitive, with Siwai Team Two emerging as champions. After a dominant round-robin performance, they finished at the top of the table with seven points, securing K6,000 in prize money. North Telei finished as runners-up, receiving K4,000.

The week-long tournament, held from January 19–23, was staged under the theme "Promoting Unity and Progress through Soccer." The event was made possible by a K383,000 investment from the Office of the Member for South Bougainville, channeled through the South Bougainville District Development Authority.

The 7th Masiu Cup served as a vital scouting ground for the Southern Rangers Football Club, that is currently preparing an Expression of Interest to enter the Premier Soccer League as a franchise.

Southern Rangers Head Coach Taku Niebo confirmed that several standout players were selected from the tournament. These players will form a squad for an upcoming friendly match in Gizo, Solomon Islands, scheduled later this year.