The Gunemba family have long been regarded as one of Papua New Guinea’s most recognised football families and at this year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, two generations of Gunembas took to the field.

For veteran striker and PNG Kapuls captain Raymond Gunemba, the tournament has become more than another chapter in his distinguished career.

Last week’s MSG Prime Ministers Cup marked the first time he shared an international stage together with two of his daughters and sisters wearing the red, black and gold of Papua New Guinea.

A Papua New Guinea womens team with the majority of players all wearing red football kit and one girl wearing white soccer gear Raymonds daughters were part of the PNG Red squad who competed in this years inaugural women’s competition in the MSG Prime Ministers Cup.  (Supplied/MSG Cup media )

Gunemba was emotional finding out the news, saying it filled him with happiness and was thankful to God for everything that has happened.

“I never expected my daughters to be representing Papua New Guinea and playing together in this MSG Cup,” he said.

“Honestly, I used to talk only about my son Nigel, saying I would play until he grows up and we can share the field before I hang up my boots, but it was my daughters who came through first.”

Gunemba’s daughters, 16-year-old Vira and 14-year-old Oscarlina now carry the Gunemba name into the national women’s development squad marking a new era for the family.

Gunemba family milestone

Adding to the family milestone, Gunemba’s two younger sisters, Meagan and Anastasia both represented in the senior women’s national team in the same MSG Prime Ministers Cup tournament.

The women’s competition was included for the first time this year.  Meagan described the moment as the highlight of her playing career.

A man stands in the middle of 4 women outside in front of a tropical setting with palm and coconut trees in the background Raymond Gunemba with daughters Vira & Oscarlina and his sisters Anasthasia (left) and Meagan (right)(Supplied/MSG Cup media )

“It is an honour, and the happiest moment of my football career,” she said.

“Never expected this to happen. It’s history for us and maybe for football in PNG.”

While proud of the shared experience, she admitted the possibility of it being Raymond’s final tournament in the Kapul’s No.7 jersey brings mixed emotions.

“It will be heartbreaking,” she said.

“We wish our parents were here to witness this special occasion. In our dreams we want him to continue playing, but all good things must come to an end.”

A man with two young girls in Papua New Guinea soccer training uniforms stand outside in a tropical setting smiling at camera PNG Kapuls captain Raymond Gunemba with daughters Oscarlina and Vira (Supplied/MSG Cup media)Discipline and faith

Meagan said his legacy goes far beyond talent and believes his commitment to fair play will be remembered for years.

“He always respects his opponents. Even when players go rough on him, he never fights back or tries to injure anyone,” she said.

Raymond attributes his longevity and resilience to faith.

“I believe and trust in God through my football. God has his own timing for me,” he said.

A group of Papua New Guinea soccer players in yellow and black soccer uniforms. One guy in the middle wears a blue golf shirt Raymond with team mates from the PNG Kapuls, PNG Gold team who played this year in the MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Supplied/MSG Cup Media)

Despite ongoing discussions about retirement, Raymond is preparing for another major milestone — his first OFC pro league season with PNG’s Hekari FC.

A legacy rooted in Lae

The Gunemba family’s rise is intertwined with Lae’s football identity, particularly the Papuan Compound community where football has long been a shared way of life — everyone plays, everyone is involved.

Raymond’s parents have overseen Poro Football Club for 40 years and have contributed to the talent development of many players who have been mentored within their household.

A man in a yellow and black soccer uniform goes to kick the ball while a man in white and black soccer uniform competes with him Raymond Gunemba in action against Fiji during the MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Supplied/MSG Cup Media)

“Lae is the home of football,” Raymond said.

“God blessed us with this duty to play and help young people who love the game.”

Inspiring the next generation

For Meagan, the family’s success underscores the importance of strengthening pathways for young female athletes in PNG.

“We will grow from strength to strength

“We want more young girls involved in football through local competitions and the Women’s National Soccer League. The pathways must continue.”

A young girl wearing a red soccer uniform leaps in the air with a soccer ball on a soccer field against another team Raymond’s daughter Vira in action for the PNG Women’s Development team during the MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Supplied/MSG Cup Media)

Her message to her nieces and to the next generation is clear. “Take football seriously, train, join academies… you can be better players in the future.”