BY JOY OFASIA
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Vice President and Papua New Guinea football administrator, John Kapi Natto, delivered a credit to his wife, PNG Hekari United Football Club General Manager Vonnie Kapi Nato, acknowledging her unwavering support throughout their 20-year marriage and crediting her as a key force behind his success in football and community development.
Speaking during the Ghupo Wantoks FC football launch, fundraiser and partnership event held on 6th June 2026 at Iron Bottom Sound (IBS) Monarch Bar and Grill in West Honiara, Kapi Natto set aside his official titles to publicly recognize the woman he described as the driving force behind many of his achievements.
“Thank you for being a lovely wife, I got all the glory, all the accolades and everything because of this powerful woman,” Kapi Natto said.
The veteran football leader reflected on their journey together, noting that while many people see the public recognition he receives through football, much of the work and sacrifice happens behind the scenes.
“She poured her heart into everything, and today all these stories are hers. I’m just the one standing in front, but she’s behind it all,” he said.
Kapi Natto revealed that he and Vonnie have shared a remarkable journey over the past two decades, working together to build football pathways and create opportunities for young people in Papua New Guinea.
“Twenty years ago, we got married together. Twenty years is a long time, and you’ve done wonderful things in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
His remarks drew applause from guests as he thanked Vonnie for standing beside him throughout the challenges and successes of his football career.
The OFC Vice President also reflected on the humble beginnings of what would become one of Papua New Guinea’s most successful football clubs, Hekari United FC. He recalled how he and Vonnie entered one of Port Moresby’s most notorious settlements more than two decades ago in search of former footballers and unemployed youths whom they hoped to inspire through sport.
At the time, the area was known for crime and social problems, but the couple believed football could provide young people with a new direction and purpose.
“Vonnie and I had a dream. We wanted to create opportunities, bring families together and give young people hope through football,” he said.
That vision eventually grew into a football programme that has produced national representatives, professional players and role models across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
Kapi Natto said Vonnie’s contribution extended far beyond football administration, describing her as a partner who shared the same commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
As Vonnie prepares to reconnect with her Solomon Islands roots through football initiatives and community engagement, Kapi Natto pledged his full support for her next chapter.
“Now you’re coming back to your own roots and your own shores. I will follow your dream and support you as well,” he said.
The emotional tribute highlighted the often-unseen role that families play in the success of sporting leaders and administrators. While Kapi Natto is widely recognized for his contributions to football development in Papua New Guinea, he made it clear that many of those achievements were built on a partnership forged with his wife over two decades.
Club owner and major sponsor John Kapi Natto, who is also the founder of PNG Hekari United FC and a vice president of the Oceania Football Confederation, is supporting the club’s long-term vision for youth development and regional football growth.
Meanwhile, guests at the event witnessed not only the celebration of football partnerships between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands but also a personal reminder that behind many successful leaders are family members whose support, sacrifice and dedication help turn dreams into reality.
The newly launched Ghupo Wantoks FC is aiming to create strong pathways for young football players across Melanesia. The event brought together football officials, sponsors, former players, supporters, and guests. Speakers focused on youth development, building regional partnerships, and the club’s long-term plans to grow football opportunities in the region.
