Papua New Guinea’s national women’s team goalkeeper and U-16 goalkeeping coach, Faith Kasiray, has made history becoming the first-ever dedicated Women’s Goalkeeping Development Officer within an Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Member Association.

At just 25 years old, Kasiray’s appointment is a groundbreaking milestone for women’s football in the Pacific, signalling a new era of opportunity and visibility for female goalkeepers across the region.

“This is a huge step for OFC, for PNG, and for the future of our game,” said OFC Goalkeeping Consultant James Bannatyne. “ “For me it’s vital because we have huge opportunities for women’s football. We need to look after their goalkeepers and having a full-time dedicated women’s development officer who’s got experience on the field, as Faith does, who better to take on that role?

“It’s a real stake in the ground for our Member Associations to follow, so we look after all our young girls and women playing in goal. It’s exciting for OFC and PNG, and no doubt for Faith herself, as she continues playing while developing the next generation.” Bannatyne added.

For Kasiray, the role is more than a personal achievement — it’s a mission.

“I’ve always wanted to help young girls, especially in goalkeeping,” she said.

“This is a dream role for me. It’s an honour and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. In PNG, there’s a real need for structured development in this area, and I’m excited to be part of that change.”

Faith brings lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges young goalkeepers face — particularly in countries where the position is often misunderstood or under-supported.

“In our country, people often think goalkeeping is just about standing in goal. But it’s so much more — it’s about leadership, reading the game, organising your defence,” she said.

Through this role, I want to raise awareness, increase participation, and help young girls see that they can be leaders too.”

Her appointment mirrors similar progress in the region, like that of Solomon Islands men’s national team keeper Philip Mango, who is also combining elite playing experience with a leadership role in coaching.

Faith’s trailblazing journey is not only a proud moment for Papua New Guinea, but also a rallying point for the whole Pacific — a signal that the landscape of women’s football goalkeeping is changing, changing for good.

“It’s a real stake in the ground,” Bannatyne added. “Faith’s story is just the beginning.”

Watch the video below for the full interview with Faith Kasiray: