INTERFET legacy kicks on

Twenty-seven years ago, a C-130J Hercules touched down in Dili, the tyres not the only thing producing smoke.

Dili was in turmoil and the future of a newly independent Timor-Leste seemed uncertain.

The events of 1999 forged a bond between Australia and the Timorese that has endured for more than two decades.

On September 20, 2026 – the anniversary of International Force East Timor (INTERFET) – the same aircraft landed, carrying two teams of football players ready to hit the pitch for the annual Xanana-Cosgrove Shield.

Named in recognition of the country’s founder, President Xanana Gusmao, and Commander of INTERFET, Gen Peter Cosgrove, the shield represents more than competition between the two militaries.

It is a symbol of a relationship forged under extraordinary circumstances, and has continued through years of cooperation and shared service.

As the crowd gathered and throngs of local school children piled into the stands, the national anthems for Timor-Leste and Australia were played by the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) band.

The men and women of both sides stood side by side in a moment of silence before the eruption of confetti canons and cheers called for the kick-off.

The atmosphere was electric and ADF women’s team captain from 17 Sqn, Cpl Natasha Blackman, said she couldn’t contain her excitement.

“It was such an honour and experience to be part of the first game that was played on the full-size pitch,” Cpl Blackman said.

“The Timor-Leste ladies are just beautiful people, and it was so much fun to be out there with the team.”

The Australian side scored twice in the first half and managed to hold off the attacking team to earn the trophy in the inaugural women’s football match as part of the Shield.

“We only came together as a team for the first time five days before we played, and to pull the win was pretty special,” Cpl Blackman said.

“To have all the local children come up to us after the game and share the win was a special highlight.”

Cpl Blackman said having met the opposition with a morning tea the day before helped form relationships before kick-off and meant they all felt like friends on the pitch.

The team captain hopes to come back again to see how the women have grown as a team and a community.

After watching a thrilling win, the men’s side set out to battle against a strong F-FDTL side.

The Australians held their ground, but the Timorese men were too strong, piling on a 3-0 defeat.

Team captain from 5/7RAR, Pte Jack Mather, said it took some time for his side to get the feel for the game.

“The F-FDTL had a really good upper hand with possession in the first half. We held our ground, but conceded two goals early on,” Pte Mather said.

“Going into halftime, we were tired, [but we] recouped and managed to hold the team off until the end where we let one last one in the net.”

Pte Mather said even though it was a loss, it was rewarding to watch the friendships form on the field and the passion for the game from both sides.

“I think I did eight or nine kilometres of running throughout the game,” he said.

“The boys all put in a good shift at a really good facility in Dili and, if they continue this way with their football, the community is going to go a long way.”

Under lights, presentations were conducted and the women’s team were able to proudly hold the trophy high.

With sights already set on next year, both teams are excited to return to Dili to retain awards and rekindle friendships.

See more imagery here.