NSL to open transfer window

Former Lae City’s Gunemba, Dabinyaba join Hekari United

THE Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League says it will open a third transfer window after a request by some clubs that have been affected by player withdrawals over the Covid-19 pandemic.
League acting manager Dimirit Mileng told The National last night that normally, there were only two transfer windows – mid and post-season – per campaign.
The new transfer window will be open from July 25-31.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some franchises requested for a third transfer window as their players had failed to return, leaving them without a complete roster,” he said.
“The NSL board met on Friday and took into consideration their request.
“After thorough consideration, the board decided to open a third transfer window.
“Allowing transfers only to the clubs that had submitted their request wouldn’t be fair on the others.
“So we decided that opening another transfer window was in the best interest of the competition and everyone involved.”
League assistant manager Micah Kaneng said he had sent a circular to the 10 NSL clubs informing them of the third transfer window for the season.
Meanwhile, former Lae City star forwards Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba have joined Hekari United for the remainder of the season.
The Papua New Guinea internationals will sign with the Port Moresby-based club once the week-long transfer window opens next Saturday.
Franchise owner Vonnie Kapi Natto said the pair had their first run with the side at PNG Football Stadium yesterday.
“After arriving on Sunday, they wasted no time in training with our players,” she said.
Minus Brazilians Erick Joe and Vincius Kryzozun, Hekari have retained most of their players, including veteran midfielder David Muta, skipper Koriak Upaiga, Daniel Joe, Ati and Kolu Kepo, and Solomon Islander Junior David.
“They were former Hekari players and they wanted to return so we gave them the opportunity using the upcoming transfer window,” Kapi Natto said of 34-year-old Gunemba and Dabinyaba, 27.
“Both players know the level of discipline and the training regime at this club.”
Gunemba and Dabinyaba, who had earlier this year walked out on defending champions City over the sacking of former coach Peter Gunemba, said they were glad to be back with Hekari.