Madang-based defender Olivia Upaupa says representing Papua New Guinea on the international stage is both a proud and rewarding experience after helping the national women’s team win their first-ever women’s title at the Prime Minister’s XIII tournament.
Upaupa, who plays for the national women’s team, the Papua New Guinea Bilums, said the inclusion of a women’s team in the Prime Minister’s XIII tournament for the first time was a historic moment.
“For the Prime Minister’s XIII, this was the first time a women’s team was included in the tournament, and we were the first team to win it,” she said.
She said the victory was even more special as it forms part of the team’s preparations for Round Two of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification, which will be held in Fiji.
“It feels so satisfying when you work hard and put in the effort during training and in games. Coming back with a result like this after the tournament is amazing, and I feel very proud,” she said.
Although she is of mixed parentage from East New Britain and East Sepik provinces, Upaupa said Madang has always been home for her.
“I’m not originally from Madang, but I have lived in Madang all my life, and I’m proud to represent Madang and call it my home,” she said.
Upaupa has represented Madang in football for more than eight years. Her journey in the sport began when she was just 12 years old while attending Kusbau Primary School.
“I started playing soccer because of my friends. From there, I began to like the sport. We represented Tusbab Blue Kumuls in school competitions, and that led me into amateur football, then to the national level and eventually international football,” she explained.
She admitted that stepping onto the field at higher levels can be challenging.
“At first, stepping onto the field can be difficult because of mixed feelings and nervousness. You feel the pressure, but at the same time I feel proud to represent my family, my home Madang, and to fly PNG’s flag high with pride,” she said.
Upaupa also used the opportunity to encourage young girls who dream of playing football.
“To all the young girls out there, don’t think you can’t go far. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself and keep working hard. You must have hunger and consistency, and don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you love,” she said.
She acknowledged several people who helped shape her football journey, including her primary school teacher, Alfred Reu, who first identified her talent.
“He selected me to play under coach Racheal Wadunah, who has had a big impact on my football career,” she said.
Upaupa also thanked her parents and family for their support.
“My family mostly plays softball, and none of them played soccer. But because of my friends, I started playing, and with the support of my parents and faith in the Lord, I’ve come this far,” she said.
She is currently playing with the PNG Bilums and is preparing with the team to take part in the semi-finals and finals of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers.
The four nations advancing to this stage of the tournament are American Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.
