ROSSO CUP KEY PILLAR TO RESTORE UNITY, PEACE AND PROGRESS
BY FRANKIY KAPIN
THE annual 2025-2026 Rosso Cup in Lae City, Morobe province aims to restore Lae to its former glory days by fostering a family-oriented environment maintaining its profound key pillars of Unity, Peace and progress to transform Lae city.
And utilizing sports as a bridge, the Rosso Cup has become a vital tool for community inclusivity, youth engagement and economic opportunity creating a hub for local mothers and small vendors to sell food and crafts at the match venues.
Almost K500 000 prize money up for grabs, A total of 22 venues within the three LLGs of Lae City are hosting the Rosso Cup challenge mostly in codes of soccer, volleyball and touch rugby allocated a K20 000 prize money in each of the 22 host venues respectively.
Last weekend, the competition narrows down from 22 fields to 16 with 6 playing next weekend, where champions will be crowned.
From East Taraka down toi Kamkumung oval to Bumayong, Kaisa and Trukai Field, 7th Street and St. Patrick’ field is joined by James Khay oval and Hanta to 4 Mile Tano field and West Taraka, Yaura, Busurum and Sipaia out to 2/3 Mile & Yanga village, local authorities and organizers have urged all supporters to maintain the spirit of “Fair Play” and celebrate the talent of our youth peacefully.
The Rosso Cup is more than just a trophy; it is a testament of what can be achieved when a city plays together.
The sporting concept running for the last 8 years now since 2018 over the festive period ending just before schools resume has proven to be more than just sports. It is a catalyst beyond the scoreboards setting an environment of peace and unity in lae city communities.
The Rosso Cup has achieved its most vital goal, community peace, according to Ward 9 Councillor Ezra Tali.
Tali highlighted the tournament’s positive impact on the festive season.
”We have seen a significant decrease in trouble and a much more peaceful festive period. Our youths have been focused on the games rather than distractions. This is exactly what the Rosso Cup stands for, bringing people together through sport,” Tali commended.
Councillor Tali extended his gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae, Hon. John Rosso, for his vision and continued support of this initiative, which provides a constructive outlet for the energy and talent of Lae City youths.
After months of intense competition, the Rosso Cup Challenge 2025–2026 reaches its climax at the Balob Teachers College grounds, featuring the highly anticipated Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball Grand Final.
Since kicking off in November, the tournament has seen an overwhelming turnout from the local community. What began as a series of weekend matches has evolved into a major community event.
