Team: Goldie Warriors
Unit Base: Goldie River
The 2026 Commander’s Cup kicks off today with the first set of matches for the Port Moresby Units.
As continuation of Inside PNG’s Coverage of the Commander’s Cup Challenge, here is a Q and A session with the Goldie Warriors team from Central Province.
Question: Tell us about yourself and what role you play in the GRTD Team taking part in the Commander’s Cup for 2026.
A: My name is Joshua Haro, I am a Lieutenant or Lt. for short. I am currently acting as Officer Commanding Admin Company in Goldie River Training Depot. In reference to CDF Cup 2026, I am playing the role of Team Manager for Goldie Warriors.
Question: The Goldie River Training Depot is where all soldiers start off their basic military training. Tell us more about the importance of the unit and the role it plays in the PNGDF.
A: Yes, the Goldie River Training Depot is the Training Unit for the PNGDF. Located just after Laloki in the Central Province, the two main roles or functions of the Training Depot is to traim new recruits for Basic Soldiering and Train and Qualify Soldiers in their specialist field or area of responsibilities.
For example, Basic Field Engineering Qualify, Basic Reconnaissance Course Qualify, Corporal Qualifying course to become Section Commanders in Infantry Companies, Seargent Qualifying Course to become Platoon Sergeants in Infantry Company and many other Specialist roles within PNGDF.
Question: How did Goldie Warriors get its Unit name and what is the team made up of?
A: Interestingly in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, the Unit was called “Goldie Maganis” and later changed to “GOLDIE WARRIORS” when the Warrior Wing was established by the US ARMY as the School of Infantry.
Goldie Warriors is made up of Private Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Commissioned Officers. Mostly Instructors at Goldie River Training Depot.
Question: The games begin this week, but how were the Warriors preparing for the Commander’s Cup?
A: Pretty similar to what other units have done, The Warriors players have been very committed in their training.
Question: What is the good thing about the Commander’s Cup?
A: The best part is when all PNGDF units come together on the field, showcasing their pride in representing their respective units. We have been talking about the Commander’s Cup Challenge, and the time has finally arrived for the games to be played.
Question: How does it feel representing your unit in the 2026 CDF’s cup?
A: I am proud to be representing Goldie Barracks because as the unit Motto say’ Home of the Soldiers – It All Starts Here.
All soldiers have passed through Goldie so really Goldie is like a mother unit. It is the one unit that all soldiers come to begin their careers before they are posted to other nine PNGDF Units. It is the unit that create long-lasting comradeship and lifelong friendship.
Question: Is there a specific unit Goldie Warriors is looking to challenge?
A: No, not really. We are looking forward to having a fair and competitive game with the other units. We don’t have a specific unit we see as rival unit.
Question: What placing did Goldie finish off in 2023?
A: The Goldie Warriors finished off in the 5th place in 2023 and we’re looking forward to improving that this year.
Question: Any last comments you would like to make?
A: We are looking forward to the competition for this year. We look forward to our first game and May the Best Team win. “GO GOLDIE WARRIORS”
