Bob Morris remembered as ‘football Icon’ and ‘mentor’ to football generations
Late football coach, Bob Maiya Morris; has been remembered for his outstanding contributions to soccer in Madang and across Papua New Guinea, with Madang Soccer Association President, Siegfried Beschel; describing his passing as a great loss to PNG football.
Speaking during a farewell tribute at Laiwaden Oval in Madang, Beschel said Morris had contributed immensely to the development of soccer through his years of service as a player, coach and mentor to young footballers.
“His passing is a great loss to Madang and Papua New Guinea football, but his legacy will continue through the players he mentored,” Beschel said.
He acknowledged the support of sponsors, football associations, clubs, and individuals who contributed towards hosting the late Morris' haus krai, funeral expenses, and travel costs.
Among those acknowledged were the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA), Agmark FC, Morobe Wawens, Lae City FC, Madang United FC, other local football clubs and individuals who supported the family during this difficult period.
Morris’s body arrived in Madang from Lae last Friday, allowing family members, friends, and the football community to pay their final respects.
On Saturday, his body was taken to Laiwaden Oval, a significant venue for Madang football, where members of the soccer community gathered to honour his contribution before he departed for Lae.
On Sunday morning, his body departed Lae for Manus Province, his home province, where he will be laid to rest.
Born on June 12, 1962, in Manus Province, Morris began his education at Nuwok Primary School before attending Manus Provincial High School.
He moved to Madang in 1980 and began working with the Department of Finance and Treasury at the Madang Provincial Administration Headquarters. Through dedication and commitment, he eventually rose to the position of Budget Officer.
Beyond his professional career, Morris developed a strong passion for music and soccer. He represented Madang Province and Papua New Guinea in football before retiring from playing in 1990 to begin his coaching career.
His transition into coaching marked the beginning of a long journey of mentoring and developing young football talents in Madang, Lae, and other parts of Papua New Guinea.
To many players, Morris was more than a coach.
He was a mentor, a father figure, a leader, and a friend who instilled discipline, teamwork, respect, and commitment in young people under his guidance.
“Football brought him to the field, but his passion, leadership, and kindness made him family to generations of players," Beschel said.
His influence extended beyond the football field, with many of the players he mentored becoming part of his extended family.
Morris’ contribution to football went beyond the games he played and the teams he coached. He dedicated himself to helping young people develop their sporting abilities while teaching them important values that extended into their everyday lives.
“A great coach is remembered not only for the games he won, but for the lives he changed.
His years of service helped shape the football community in Madang and beyond, earning him respect from players, officials, clubs, and supporters.
As tributes continue to flow in from the football community, Morris will be remembered for his dedication to the game, his commitment to developing young players, and the lasting impact he made on football in Papua New Guinea.
“His final whistle may have blown, but his legacy will continue to echo across the football fields of Papua New Guinea.”
"His legacy will live on through the players he coached, the clubs he served, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey in football," he added.