OFC vice president John Kapi Nato urges unity, youth development and regional football pathways
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Newly launched Ghupo Wantoks FC has set its sights on building pathways for young footballers across Melanesia following an official launch at Iron Bottom Sound (IBS) Monarch Bar and Grill in Honiara on Saturday night.
The club’s launch brought together football officials, sponsors, former players, supporters and guests, with speeches centered on youth development, regional partnerships and long-term football ambitions.
Club owner and major sponsor John Kapi Nato — who is also the founder of PNG powerhouse Hekari United FC and current Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) vice president — described the launch as more than just the beginning of a football club.
“Tonight is not just a launching night of Ghupo Wantok FC, but it is a celebration of connection.
“It’s about unity and embracing the power and the beauty of football to bring all of us together,” Nato said.
Nato said the inclusion of the word “Wantok” in the club’s name reflected a broader Melanesian identity that would unite players and communities across the region.
“The club will represent all the Melanesian countries — Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji,” he said.
Speaking passionately about football development, Nato shared the early beginnings of Hekari FC in Papua New Guinea more than two decades ago, saying the club started with a vision to create opportunities for young people.
“We must go out and start connecting and bringing these young people in so we can give them aspirations and hopes.
“Football is more than a sport. It creates friendships, shared identity and opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Nato stressed that discipline, education and structured football pathways were critical to helping young players reach higher levels of the game.
“Today in world football, clubs are looking at young players aged 20, 22 and 23. That’s the dream every football club must have.
“That’s what Ghupo Wantoks FC must develop — the academy of young people,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of stronger football cooperation between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, including player exchanges, coaching development and youth tournaments.
“The sea must not be seen as a barrier, but a connection of dreams.
“We must create pathways for our young players so they can reach the next level of football in Europe or America,” Nato said.
Nato further encouraged club officials and stakeholders to remain committed to building the club for the long term.
“You want to build a club? It’s not easy.
“It must be collective work together, shared vision together and shared objectives together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) vice president Robert Seni congratulated Ghupo Wantoks FC and acknowledged the work being done by the club’s leadership.
“SIFF is very honored for the invitation received from Ghupo Wantok FC.
“The federation is always here and will always support football and anything to do with football,” Seni said.
Seni paid tribute to club president Mrs Vonnie JK Natto for her commitment and drive in football development.
“I wish everyone in the football family had the same drive that Vonnie has.
“I think if we have 10 of the likes of Vonnie, we should have been in the World Cup,” he said.
Seni also revealed that SIFF has been pursuing discussions with government authorities regarding possible tax rebates for football sponsors in Solomon Islands in an effort to encourage greater corporate support for clubs and football development.
“This time it’s very hard to get sponsors.
“We hope to pursue it with the new government now, at least to give some rebates for sponsors of football in Solomon Islands,” he said.
The launch programme featured entertainment, presentations, fundraising activities and acknowledgements to sponsors and supporters who contributed towards the event and the club’s development.
Special acknowledgements were made to John Kapi Nato and Vonnie Nato, Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, Eric Sau’eha , MPs namely; Derrick Manuari, Morris Toiraena and Choilyn Yim Douglas, and Ropiko Energy’s Rolland Piko, Honiara City Council, Advance Technology Limited, Mr. John Taupongi, Nine-One field owner Sam, and the Ghupo Wantoks FC officials, managers, coaches and technical team for their support and hard work towards the successful launch.
Ghupo Wantoks FC, which is still in its early years of establishment, aims to develop young football talent while strengthening football links across the Melanesian region through partnerships, exchanges and long-term football programmes.
With support from experienced football figures and regional stakeholders, the club now hopes to build a lasting football legacy for future generations.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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