Central FC may snare NSL top spot

SECOND-placed Gigira Laitepo Central Coast FC could find itself entrenched in the Telikom National Soccer League top two when it takes on Bulolo United at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae on Saturday.
Separated by a point from competition leaders Hekari United, the Libe-Parandali-backed team is on nine points and if they win they will be number one  – pending Hekari’s fortunes.
But Central is reportedly facing an internal crisis at the management level with claims of the possible removal of coach Wesley Waiwai for unspecified reasons.
But this will not affect the players morale when they take on Bulolo.
Pandarali could not be reached for comment but spokesman Jacob Oli denied the crisis stating the team was intact.
NSL manager Chris Brown confirmed the internal ructions at Central but maintained it was an internal matter.
Several Central Coast players claimed it was a minor problem and were looking forward to the game.
Waiwai, who gave little away said his boys were focused on the game.
Central will be relying on Reginald Davani, Nathaniel Lepani, Leana Geno, Winnie Tau, Naime Kepi and Ila Ilaitia Jr to set the pace.
Bulolo captain Mathew Yang knows that the match will be tough and hopes his charges would compete until the final whistle.
Bulolo has prepared well and will become a force to reckon with as the season progresses.
In the other match in Lae, Tukoko will play Petro Souths in game one of the double-header.
Tukoko should finally get their second point on the board after they drew with City Pharmacy Eastern Star 1-1 last weekend. The Stars are on bye
The Hekari-Besta PNG United game is deferred to next week
The points ladder heading into the weekend: Hekari 10, Central Coast 9, Stars 5, Bulolo 4, Besta PNG United 4, Tukoko University 1 and Souths 0.