By HENRY MORABANG
THE semi professional soccer league competition, the National Soccer League (NSL) is set to be tougher this season.
NSL chairman John Kapi Natto said in Port Moresby that that NSL competition will be tough because many elite players are spreading their services through all the franchise teams.
Natto said Port Moresby-based Gelle Hills for example had picked up many University soccer players while Goroka-based Welgris Highlanders of Mount Hagen have also picked up few Port Moresby-based players such as Gary Moka and Junior Bonny.
Besta Madang have signed on former Gelle Hills striker Neil Hanz while Madang Fox have picked up few players from Lahi and LFA competition in Lae.
With the advent of Inspac Rapatona into the NSL competition, the competition is certainly going to be very tough, Natto said.
Under the watchful eyes of Kisakiu Posman and the chairmanship of Madiu Andrew, Rapatona certainly will bring new dimension into professional football.
It is understood that Rapatona have signed a Solomon Islander to bolster his campaign for this season while the bulk of the players will come from its amateur club in Port Moresby competition.
The defending champion have retained the bulk of its players except for five new signing in Philomen Komeng (Defence - POM), Simon Soro (Mendi Souths), Reks Gango (Roots ñ Finschhafen), Misty Andrew (Un - OM), Hamson Daniel (Uni - POM), Benjamin Mela (Marist FC, Solomon Islands).
When asked about other Solomon Islanders such as Jack Samani, Jacob Pekau and Abraham Iniga, Natto said they will be back to complete their two-year contract with the club.
Natto said everything is set for the Nov 10 kickoff with a double header schedule in Port Moresby.
The teams confirmed for this year are Hekari United, Gelle Hills, Madang Fox, Madang Besta, Morobe Kumuls, Inspac Rapatona and Welgris Highlander.