A legacy of leadership: 60 teams set for inaugural Lady Veronica’s Cup

The late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Lady Veronica. This tournament named Lady Veronica

The spirit of 'mama blo nation' is set to take the pitch this June following the Wewak Football Association's [WFA] announcement of the Lady Veronica Cup, an annual women’s soccer tournament dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of the Lady Veronica's Somare.

After WFA’s recent elevation to full membership within the PNG Football Association [PNGFA], the tournament set for this year will be a turning point for gender equality in the province’s most popular sport.

WFA President Judith Kumasi said the initiative is about social transformation, where women must also be given equal opportunity as men.

"This is a significant event to honor one of the most inspirational women in our country," Kumasi told NBC News. "Through this tournament, we want to involve more women in the greater Sepik region and be inspired by the characteristics of Lady Veronica. We hope to see more women shine not only in sports but in various leadership roles."

The WFA aims to dismantle long-standing stereotypes regarding women’s participation in contact sports by linking the competition to Lady Veronica, a figure synonymous with strength and stability alongside the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

A women's football team with WFA president Judith Kumasi (Image: Supplied)

The Lady Veronica’s Cup will run in tandem with the Somare Shield for the men's division. Kumasi said under new PNGFA regulations, the WFA is now mandated to ensure equal participation opportunities.

Top-performing squads from both the Lady Veronica’s Cup and the Somare Shield will be scouted to represent the region in future PNGFA-sanctioned national tournaments, creating a clear pathway for East Sepik talent to reach the national stage.

Kumasi said the response to the inaugural call has been overwhelming, with 60 teams ready to compete. She said the stakes are high, featuring one of the most significant prize pools for women’s regional football with K10,000 set for the inaugural winner and the historic Veronica Cup.

Runners up will pocket K8000 while third place team picks up K6000 and the bottom squad go home with K4000 cash prize.

The action kicks off on June 23rd and will reach its climax with the Grand Final on June 28th.