By HENRY MORABANG
TUGUBA Laitepo-sponsored Morobe Kumuls have sounded an early warning to other NSL franchise clubs that they mean business when they upset reigning champions, Hekari United 3-0 in the main game of the double header NSL match in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The double header officially signaled the start of the 2007 NSL season.
In the opening match, Inspac Rapatona started their campaign on a high note by thrashing Besta Fighters of Madang 3-0.
The Kumuls, made up of the best from Lahi and LFA competition, displayed what was reminiscent of the Port Moresby versus Lae games of the past.
Led by internationals Sowera Gurti in the midfield along with workaholic Ken Gule and flanker Armstrong Peka, the Lae team proved that they are the team to beat in this year’s competition.
The inclusion of Solomon Islander Clifford Wate made it more an international team out of Lae against Hekari United.
The United have three Solomon Islanders in Abraham Iniga, Jack Samani and Jack Pekau but they could do little as Kumuls set up a strong defence in denying them scoring chances.
Hekari striker Kema Jack had little room to move as Kumuls defence were equal to task to cut him down. Midfielder David Muta was a lone trier for United despite the inclusion of Misty Andrew as back-up player.
In the early game Robert Diau ensured that Rapatona’s spending was not wasted when he scored the opening goal of the match against Besta Fighters. Diau, the younger brother of Lawrence Diau, played strongly in the midfield giving whatever assistance his frontline boys required.
Rapatona was leading 2-0 in the opening half before Samarai striker Percy Mataio headed the final goal toseal the match for the Inspac franchise to win 3-0.
In Goroka, Welgris Highlanders failed to deliver their first win at their new home ground, the National Sports Institute, when their opponent, Madang Fox fought back in the dying minutes to level the score 3-3 at full time.
Highlander coach Paias Letenge said their off-season buy Ian Yanum of Lae proved to be the deciding factor in this game.
The former Kumuls Yanum scored two goals while striker Philip Apo collected the other.
Aigobian outcast Adrian Komu proved that he still had a lot of fuel in him when he scored the opening goal to inspire Madang to level the score.
The Fox were down 2-1 at half time but came back strongly to level the score at full time.
Gelle Hills were on bye