First, second face off in Highlands conference

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
HIGHLANDS Conference leaders Kagua-Erave take on second-placed Blue Kumuls in a top-of-table clash tomorrow.
The Southern Highlands side have a perfect 4-0 record heading into the round five clash of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League.
The Western Highlands team are expected to arrive in Goroka today for tomorrow’s fixture at the National Sports Institute.
The Kumuls have two wins, a loss and a draw and need at least a win to secure second place and will rely on their best in Japeth Olo, Andrew Apo, Eric Kepu and Edmond Sepa to turn the game in their favour.
Kagua-Reave are coming off a 6-2 hammering of the Chimbu Angra and have the momentum and confidence.
Kagua coach Steven Mune has at his disposal in-form players in mid-fielder Langrap Samel, defenders Papalau Awele and Quinten Simea as well as strikers Jordan Kaven and Henson Toipo, who have a bag of goals between them so far.
Kagua captain Neil Hans has led the team exceptionally with his play providing opportunities for his teammates as well as allowing him to contribute on the scoreboard over the season.
Kumuls coach Andrew Apo needs striker Olo, who has three goals to his name, to take advantage of any chances that comes his way while Andy Samb, Nelson Sam and Edmond Sepa are required to all be at their best if the Kanges will have any chance of springing the upset.
Apo who is coach, captain and striker, has a lot on his plate but it is not different from Kagua who rely on Hans in much the same way.
“They have the all the momentum and are unbeaten but we have nothing to lose and there’s a lot of confidence in our side to do well,” Apo said.
“We expect them to start fast and we’re ready for that. We just have to be smart on defence and not panic and play our game and we should do well.”
Highlands Conference Fixtures: Rd 5 — Sat, March 9 – Chimbu Angra v Aporro Mai, Mt Hagen v Enga Laima, Blue Kumuls v Kagua Erave.