A win-win for Pacific football

September’s PacificAus Sports Challenge brought Vanuatu United FC and the Central Coast Mariners together at Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila, giving local supporters their first chance to see what Vanuatu’s new professional club could do on their own home ground.

Known to fans as The Chiefs, the team is one of eight foundation clubs in the new Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League – a competition established to foster a professional football environment in Oceania and give Pacific players the chance to compete at an elite level within their own region.

The Mariners’ travelling squad brought with them world-class experience, including players like goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne and defender Trent Sainsbury who have both represented Australia at FIFA World Cups.

For Vanuatu United, the PacificAus Sports Challenge was a chance to test themselves against one of Australia’s top sides and make history in front of a home crowd. For the Mariners, it offered valuable pre-season competition ahead of their 2026–27 A-League campaign.

The Chiefs rise to the occasion

Spirits were already high among The Chiefs and their supporters after a strong inaugural OFC Pro League season, which saw Vanuatu United reach the semi-finals – and they were determined to keep that momentum going. 

The absence of several overseas-based team members gave local players the chance to show what they could do against experienced international opposition. And they did just that.

In front of their home supporters, The Chiefs defeated the Mariners 3–2 in the opening match before backing it up three days later with a 1–0 victory to complete a clean sweep of the series.

Vanuatu United striker Joe Moses scored in both matches, including the only goal of the second game. Days later, that performance earned him selection in the Vanuatu national squad for the 2026 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat’s Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva, competing against Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and host country Fiji.

“These opportunities are invaluable in providing our players and technical staff with a high-level football experience that is critical to the continued development and professional growth of the sport in Vanuatu,” said Albert Manaroto, General Secretary of the Vanuatu Football Federation. 

A connection that runs deeper

The matches gave the Mariners exactly the sort of challenge they were looking for in their pre-season preparation. 
The trip also brought them back into the heart of a football community with which they already shared a strong connection.

Vanuatu international Brian Kaltak spent three sensational seasons on the Central Coast from 2022 to 2025, making more than 100 appearances and helping the Mariners win two A-League Championships, a Premiership and the Asian Football Confederation Cup.

That history helped give the tour an added significance for a club that sees community as fundamental to its identity.

“From a football perspective, these matches have provided our squad with valuable preparation as we build towards the A-League season, but this trip is about much more than what happens on the pitch,” said Matt Simon, Mariners Sporting Director. “The Mariners believe football brings communities together.”

Community beyond the pitch

That community-minded philosophy was an important part of the Mariners’ time in Port Vila. Simon said the team had been looking forward to connecting with the local football community and creating some lasting memories for young players and supporters.

During the week, the players visited Survival Primary School and Saint Joseph School, meeting students, sharing stories and, inevitably, kicking a few footballs around. The visits were supported by Just Play, part of the Australian Government’s sport-for-development initiative, Team Up, and delivered in partnership with  the Oceania Football Confederation and Vanuatu Football Federation. The program uses the fun and familiarity of football to bring children together in a safe space where they can play, learn, make friends and grow in confidence.

A win for the game – and the region

The 2026 PacificAus Sports Challenge was supported by the Australian Government and delivered in collaboration with Football Australia, the Vanuatu Football Federation, Vanuatu United and Central Coast Mariners, building on previous visits to the country by Australian national youth teams.

“Football Australia, alongside the Australian Government, is committed to supporting the establishment and growth of professional football throughout Oceania and the Pacific,” said Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler.

The Mariners returned home with two demanding pre-season matches behind them. Vanuatu supporters had watched their new professional club play – and win – at home for the first time. 

It was a promising start to a new era of professional football in the Pacific.