By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
OVER the weekend, local and international players competed in a showcase of experience as the NMI Over 40 squad secured the championship title of the first-ever NMIFA Masters Cup 2026 Friendly Football Tournament at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville, finishing with a total of 21 points.
The NMI Over 40 side went unbeaten in the three-day tournament, held from Jan. 9 to 11.
Their campaign opened Friday night with a commanding 4-0 victory over the NMI Lady Ayuyus. The tone was set midway through the first half when Phaibun Pondi found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, giving NMI Over 40 a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
NMI Over 40 never looked back, adding a flurry of goals in the second half. Highlighting their teamwork and discipline, every player on the pitch posed a threat, but it was Atsushi Hanita, Ajani Burrell, and Hojin Woo who capitalized, scoring in the 41st, 48th, and 54th minutes, respectively, to seal the 4-0 win.
Saturday’s match saw NMI Over 40 face stiff competition from Aries FC, with the contest ending in a scoreless draw.
The tournament concluded Sunday with a highly anticipated “battle of the generations” between the NMI Over 40 and NMI Over 50 squads. Despite the age gap, the NMI Over 50 team — led by Dindo Pablo, Wes Bogdan, and Kamrul Kamrul — displayed determination and grit. However, NMI Over 40’s speed proved decisive as Martin Jambor continued his stellar form, netting all five goals between the fourth and 55th minutes.
Kamrul Kamrul pulled one back for NMI Over 50 in the 61st minute, but it proved only a consolation as NMI Over 40 closed out a 5-1 victory.
Although NMI Over 40 and Aries FC finished with identical records of two wins, one draw, and no losses, NMI Over 40 held the statistical edge to claim the championship with 21 points, while Aries FC settled for second place with 18.
Other tournament results included:
Aries FC 1, NMI Over 50 0
NMI Over 50 1, NMI Lady Ayuyus 0
Aries FC 2, NMI Lady Ayuyus 0
The NMIFA Masters Cup 2026 demonstrated that football in the NMI knows no age limit. From the resilience of the NMI Lady Ayuyus to the technical skill of the visiting Aries FC side, the tournament marked a success for the local football community.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
