Hekari’s ready to face Ba, Allen says

 By HENRY MORABANG

HEKARI United FC coach Jerry Allen is banking on the O-League experience of his players when they take on Fiji champions, Ba in the opening match of the 2013 OFC championship league at Lloyd Robson Oval on Saturday.

Allen said during training this week his boys were ready to face the Fiji champions.

“The boys had been training very well despite minor injuries to key players like Eric Komeng and others who from their physical encounter against FC Port Moresby last weekend,” he said.

Komeng, the flamboyant Kairuru Island winger, will be subject to a fitness test before his availability is confirmed.

Allen said his major concern for his Hekari players was the playing surface.

“We have been denied by PNGFA and NSL management to stage games at our home ground, Lloyd Robson Oval, to prepare for the O-League, and it is quite disappointing for his boys

“We are representing Papua New Guinea at the Champions League but our plea for help to the national body and the NSL management fell on their deaf ears,” he said.

“Otherwise, the preparations have been exceptionally well. 

“We are working on our passes and the finishing touches that almost cost us the game against FC Moresby over the weekend.” 

Allen said the bulk of the He­kari squad had O-League experience and that was a priceless advantage for the team. 

“We have the advantage that three of their key players – Malakai Tiwa, Osea Vakatalesau and Tuimaci Manuca – were part of the team during the 2010 O-League campaign.

“The boys know the pressure at this high level of football. It will be a team effort that will bring positive results.

“Playing against Ba will be a good match. In 2009, they defeated Hekari 1-0 in Port Moresby but in the return match at Govind Park, we thrashed them 3-0.”

 “It will be a tough call for the players as there will be two or three days break before the next O-League match.”

Allen is appealing to soccer followers to turn up in numbers to support Hekari as they will be playing for Papua New Guinea.