The Wantok Cup was an international football competition between the national teams of three Melanesian countries: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The Cup was to be a thrice-a-year competition, to be held in July (twice) and September (once), as part of independence commemoration celebrations in the Solomons, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, respectively.
[5][6] Wantok is a Tok Pisin and Pijin word which comes from the English "one talk", and means people who speak the same language, belong to the same culture, and are comrades.
[7] The name was chosen so as to emphasise the similarities of the pidgin languages spoken in the three countries - namely Tok Pisin, Pijin and Bislama.
The second edition of the Wantok Cup was then due to be hosted by Vanuatu to coincide with its Independence Day celebrations in July 2010.
[10] On July 9, the Solomon Star reported that Papua New Guinea would not be attending, as it was "occupied by other football programs", and that even scheduled host Vanuatu had yet to confirm it would be taking part.
The second edition of the Wantok Cup was scheduled to be held during Independence Day celebrations in Vanuatu, in late July 2008.
[9] The third edition of the Wantok Cup was scheduled to be held during Independence Day celebrations in Papua New Guinea, in September 2008.
[1] The Solomon Islands initially confirmed their participation, and were due to play against the hosts on September 20,[15][16] but then pulled out, citing financial constraints.
The Oceania Football Confederation in February spoke of the Solomon Islands team facing Vanuatu in the Wantok Cup in July, thus suggesting that Papua New Guinea would be absent, or that its participation was unconfirmed.
[10] On July 9, the Solomon Star reported that Papua New Guinea would not be attending, as it was "occupied by other football programs", and that even scheduled host Vanuatu had yet to confirm it would be taking part.
The Solomon Islands defeated Vanuatu South 4-1 to take the title, replicating the achievement of their adult counterparts.