Aua wary of Central United

By JACK AMI
GULF Komara and Central United will look to get off to a winning start when they face off in the National Soccer League (NSL) Southern Conference at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium tomorrow.
Komara — formerly Erema — will be out to give Central United their first taste of semi-professional football, with the match kicking off at 10am.
Komara, who have been training for the past three months, are itching to get on the field and show the other NSL franchises what they are capable of.
Being a former NSL player, Komara coach David Aua knows the expectations that come with being a semi-professional footballer in the country.
“It’s going to be a tough season and all our players will need to be on their game if we are to be consistently competitive,” said Aua, who played goalkeeper for Gelle Hills, CMSS Tigers, University Inter FC and Hekari.
“We have retained most of our boys from last season but our biggest buy is PNG international Jamal Seeto.
“He will add an extra dimension in our attack.
“We also have experienced campaigners in Maso Haro, Ivan Sevese, Toru Simoi, Roniel Igens and Kenneth Ara.
“We also have youngsters Numa Kila, Rupa Emil and Brian Gerega who will all provide firepower.”
Aua said he expected Central United to be a tricky outfit.
“We beat them 4-0 in one of our friendlies,” he said.
“But I know they are a good team and they’ll come back stronger this time, with coach Kila Babaga regrouping his charges.
“United are unpredictable, with coach Babaga’s side likely to play up-tempo,” Aua said.
“This match will be tough but the team that attacks well with variations in technique, speed and skills in the midfield will dominate the clash.
“I’m relying on all my players to get out on the field and do what is expected of them against United.
“We respect our opposition and not underestimating them in the season opener.
“We want to start off well and hopefully come away with the win.”
He said with the new conference format, they would be taking the games as they come.
“Our aim is to make the top two in the conference,” Aua said.