B’ville coach warns his players ahead of Hekari fixture

By NATHAN WOTI
UPNG journalism student
BOUGAINVILLE coach David Passam has warned his players to improve ball possession if they are to be among the title contenders in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League.
He said last year’s runners-up Hekari United, who they face on Saturday, were a different proposition compared with their opening-round opponents Gulf Komara last weekend.
Passam said they would need to maintain possession in key moments of the game if they were to contain veteran Hekari skipper David Muta, who is expected to lead from midfield.
“Today is evident that we couldn’t control the ball enough for longer periods in the match,” he said after their 3-2 win over Petroleum Resources Kutubu-sponsored Komara.
“So it’s something that we need to work on. We are going to play Hekari, it won’t be easy, but I’m hoping we make improvements. It’s obvious that Hekari play fast football.
“Long passes work for them so our defenders have to be on their toes all the time and stop the supply of the ball from the middle.
“If we stop the supply, then we control the game. If we don’t, then they control the game.”
Hekari, who also proved their quality with a 3-0 win over Star Mountain, will be keen on continuing the momentum.
Despite a sloppy start, last season’s runners-up Hekari soon found their rhythm in attack and defence as they went on to record a winning start to their campaign.
Muta said they still need more work in key areas of their game.