By HENRY MORABANG
GELLE Hills will be out to spoil Hekari United’s party when they meet in the top-of-the-table clash in the National Soccer League match at Telikom Park in Port Moresby tomorrow.
The Hills and United clash will be the main game of the double header hosted in Port Moresby; the opening match will be between Inspac Rapatona and Welgris Highlanders.
Gelle Hills will be without their coach Wesley Waiwai who is out of town on business however, stand-in coach Robert Popat is leading the team against old rivals United.
The Hills have not beaten United since the inception of the NSL competition, and it remains to be seen whether they can do it tomorrow.
Popat said yesterday that they are looking forward to the showdown with the defending champion.
He said they would treat this as an ordinary game, adding, “The main aim is to settle the score against United.”
Popat said he would rely on his midfielders to produce a positive result, banking on Leana Geno, skipper Nathan Vincent, Harold Dademo and veteran Desmond Waku.
He said that if his midfielders work then should beat United.
The former national coach will count on Tau Winnie and Desmond Sow in the frontline while in the backline Jeremy Masalo, Ila Ilaita, Peter Kareva and Tau Nius should contain the United onslaught.
United coach Jerry Allan could not be reached for comments but he will rely on Abraham Iniga, Benjamin Mela, David Muta, Andrew Lepani, Eric Komeng and Kema Jack to win the match.
Allan is likely to introduce his new buy Michael Lohai in this match as well.
Inspac Rapatona are getting over their shock loss to Madang Fox 3-2 and will be out to make amend against Welgris Highlanders.
Rapatona must no underestimate the Highlanders who have produced some good, aggressive football recently from their LFA recruits.
Trainer/coach Clement Anisan Cafu knows where he went wrong last week and will make sure his boys win this match.
The Manus boys will want to maintain their winning streak against the Highlanders. In their first meeting, Rapatona won 2-1 and will want to win again tomorrow.