Fa’arodo on fire

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By HENRY MORABANG

MRDC Hekari United put on an inspired performance to thrash Solomon Islands’ Koloale FC 4-0 at the Lloyd Robson Oval on Saturday.
And the O-League champions can thank former Koloale player Henry Fa’arodo, who was in scintillating form for the men in red.
The Solomon Islands international scored a double for his team with his first goal a ripping effort in the 32nd minute while he picked up his second against his countrymen in the second half.
In an attacking foray deep in Koloale territory, the Hekari flanker showed some deft touches to wrong-foot the converging defence before bending a left foot strike  on the edge of the box high into the left  corner of goal-mouth for the first goal of the match.
Fa’arodo, who during the week looked likely to miss the match through work committments in his native Honiara, put aside speculation on to his availability with another classy performance.
Hekari certainly needed the win to boost their final preparation as they head for the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next month.
The victory propelled Hekari to second spot in Pool B behind leaders Lautoka FC who beat Amical FC 1-0 at Govind Park in Fiji.
Hekari coach Tommy Mana and captain David Muta summed up the victory as a good morale booster for the team as they prepare for Abu Dhabi.
“We played with a lot of confidence compared to our opening match against Amical where we went through a trial-and-error process with new players, especially from Fiji teaming up with the club,” Mana said.
After 2-1 upset loss to Amical in the opening round of the O-League, Hekari were keen wins under their belts  and regain some confidence  ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. Local hero Kema Jack scored his side’s second just before halftime after the constant pressure by Hekari began to open up the Koloale defence.
Hekari’s prodigal son Abraham Iniga rounded off the scoring in the 70th minute to deliver a comprehensive defeat to the Solomon Islands champions.
Fa’arodo could have turned his brace into a hat-trick in the last minute of regular time but Koloale goalkeeper Shadrock Ramoni managed to keep his spot kick out.
Solomon Island coach Peter Eke admitted after the match that his boys lost the plot.
“We were not in the game after Hekari scored two goals in space of minutes and made it impossible for us to fight back in the second half,” he said.
He said the club were pinning their hopes on Benjamin Totori to create the scoring opportunities but he could not as he was kept quiet through by some committed Hekari defence.
However, Eke said its only two matches into the O-League and his boys were sure to bounce back when the competition resumed next March.