As the world celebrates World Fair Play Day, we turn the spotlight on Sowany Joseph Matou, a distinguished Australia Awards Vanuatu alumnus, whose commitment to ethical values in sport is making a remarkable impact in his home country. A graduate of Griffith University with a Bachelor of International Business, Sowany now serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA), the most active football association in Vanuatu.
Sowany credits his inspiration to pursue higher education in Australia to the influence of Australian teachers at Matevulu College, whose professionalism left a lasting impression on him.
As CEO of PVFA, Sowany plays a central role in the administration and development of football in Port Vila. He is responsible for managing club registrations, player licences, competition documentation, and sponsorship proposals, ensuring the smooth running of tournaments across all divisions—from the Super League to grassroots youth leagues.
The values celebrated on World Fair Play Day are closely aligned with the mission of PVFA under Sowany’s leadership. “This day is crucial for the young participants in the weekly competition, as it reinforces discipline and respect, not only on the field but also within their communities,” he explains.
In honour of World Fair Play Day, PVFA presents a Fair Play Award to the most disciplined teams in each league category. The award is based on the number of cautions, yellow cards, and red cards received throughout the season, promoting a culture of respect and good conduct.
To further instil these values, PVFA operates a youth development programme every weekend and after school on weekdays, targeting under-12, under-16, and under-19 players. The programme emphasises the importance of fair play, encouraging young athletes to uphold the principles of respect, discipline, and integrity both on and off the pitch.
Sowany also highlights the influence of Brian Kaltak, a former PVFA player now making waves internationally. “Brian’s professionalism has made him a role model for many young players. They now understand that to follow in his footsteps, they must demonstrate discipline, respect, and hard work,” he said.
Through his leadership, Sowany exemplifies the core ideals of World Fair Play Day, using football as a powerful platform for positive social change in Vanuatu.