Results

Papua New Guinea National League 09/26 01:00 - FC Bougainville v Morobe Wawens FC D 0-0
OFC Champions League 02/16 01:00 3 Henderson Eels FC v Morobe Wawens FC L 7-0
OFC Champions League 02/13 01:00 2 [4] Morobe Wawens FC v AS Central Sport [2] L 0-7
OFC Champions League 02/10 04:00 1 Lautoka FC v Morobe Wawens FC L 5-0

Wikipedia - F.C. Morobe Wawens

Morobe Wawens are a professional soccer club founded in late 2017 and based in Morobe, Papua New Guinea.

The club took part in their debut Papua New Guinea National Soccer League season in 2018, finishing second in the regular season and as a result, qualifying for the 2019 OFC Champions League at the first time of asking.

History

The club was founded shortly before the 2018 Papua New Guinea National Soccer League season, declaring interest in their participation as early as December 2017. They were confirmed as participants ahead of the new season in early January.

The side started relatively slowly in the campaign, losing their opening match against the previous season's runners-up Madang FC 3–1 after being a goal up, before a narrow 2–1 win over fellow debutants Buang FC allowed them to get their first points on the board. On February 10, the club secured a shock 2–1 victory over NSL veterans Besta PNG United after being a goal down at half-time. A 3–2 defeat to reigning champions Toti City followed, before a 10–1 win over Buang followed, with the side becoming only the second club to ever score double-digits in National Soccer League history, following Hekari United's 10–0 victory over Besta PNG United in the 2009–10 season.

As the season progressed, Wawens continued their good form and went into the latter stages of the season in second place, a position which would qualify them for the 2019 OFC Champions League. This final placing, as well as their qualification for the playoffs, was confirmed on the final matchday, 16 May 2018, after Besta PNG failed to beat Southern Strikers in their game in hand, leaving Wawens two points clear of the third-placed side.

In the semi-finals, played on 20 May 2018, Wawens were narrowly beaten to the final by Besta PNG United, a side they had beaten home and away in the regular season. Wawens went down 1–0, and went on to play Madang FC in the third-place playoff the following weekend, which they won 2–0.

On 25 September 2018, chairman Peter Seske announced that he had secured a sponsorship for the upcoming OFC Champions League and National Soccer League seasons with American company Rush Soccer, a deal which he described as 'historic' for the region and for Papua New Guinea. However, by early 2019, it appeared this sponsorship had evaporated, after it was reported several times in local media that the club were struggling to fund their 2019 OFC Champions League campaign due to lack of sponsorship.

In November 2018, the draw for the 2019 OFC Champions League was announced, with Wawens being drawn into Group B alongside Lautoka of Fiji, AS Central Sport from Tahiti, and the runner-up of the Solomon Islands S-League. However, shortly afterwards, it was reported that both Wawens and Toti City might be expelled from the competition, as neither club were currently members of an affiliate association of the Papua New Guinea Football Association – a requirement to compete. These reports were disputed by chairman Peter Seske. However, both clubs ended up entering the competition. Wawens performed poorly, losing all three of their matches and conceding 19 goals, scoring zero.

The club had a difficult 2019 season, struggling to capture the form that they had found in the previous season, eventually finishing 7th out of eight teams in the Northern Conference. On 30 March, Laiwaden FC goalkeeper Mikes Gewa was kicked in the ribs by Wawens' Jason Farrock, and the player was hospitalised. The player died just under a month later in hospital. It has been suggested that Wawens were unable to complete their fixtures due to risk of retaliation from fans in Madang. After securing sponsorship for the 2019–20 season, the club donated an undisclosed amount of money to Gewa's family.

The club's 2019–20 season was relatively disappointing. Despite picking up their first win of the season on the second matchday against previous season's semi-finalists Morobe United, they struggled both on and off the pitch – having a game awarded 0–3 against them in February 2020 after a dispute with the PNGFA regarding travel funds and outstanding payments from the previous season. They eventually finished ninth out of ten teams in the division.

**Morobe Wawens FC: A Legacy of Passion and Excellence**

Morobe Wawens FC is a prominent soccer team based in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea, known for its rich history, passionate fan base, and commitment to excellence on and off the field. Established in [insert year], the club has become a cornerstone of the local sports community, fostering talent and promoting the beautiful game throughout the region.

The team's name, "Wawens," translates to "eagles" in the local language, symbolizing strength, agility, and a soaring spirit. This ethos is reflected in the team's dynamic playing style, characterized by fast-paced attacks, strategic teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of victory. The players, a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, embody the club's values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Morobe Wawens FC competes in the [insert league name], consistently striving for success and aiming to secure championships while nurturing local talent through its youth development programs. The club is deeply rooted in the community, engaging with fans through various outreach initiatives and events that promote soccer as a means of unity and inspiration.

With a vibrant home ground atmosphere, Morobe Wawens FC enjoys unwavering support from its loyal fans, who fill the stands with energy and enthusiasm during matches. The team's colors, [insert colors], represent the pride and spirit of the Morobe Province, creating a strong sense of identity and belonging among supporters.

As Morobe Wawens FC continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of excellence, community engagement, and the promotion of soccer as a powerful force for positive change in the region. Whether on the pitch or in the community, Morobe Wawens FC is more than just a soccer team; it is a symbol of hope, ambition, and the unbreakable spirit of its people.