Hekari expecting challenge

By PATRICIA KEAMO
LADDER leaders Hekari United are aiming to maintain their perfect start to the National Soccer League season when they face Central Dabaris in the main match of the Southern Conference triple-header tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
Coming back off a bye last weekend, the Erickson Komeng-coached side are confident about their preparation but are also expecting a strong challenge from the Central government-sponsored opposition.
Komeng told The National yesterday that last weekend’s bye had helped his side to recover and work on their performance ahead of tomorrow’s game.
“The players are in good shape,” the former Papua New Guinea international said.
“Every little thing counts. The Dabaris are a good side and their loss last weekend might have just awoken them so we have to be at our best to compete.
“We worked on our team combinations and finishing.
“In our last game, we only scored four goals against the conference youth team but goals will come if we do the little things right.
“I haven’t made any changes on my line-up but it might change, depending on a few things.”
The Kila Babaga-coached Dabaris have so far registered two wins and as many losses.
They will be looking for another win as the Central side look to improve on their fourth spot.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Conference, reigning champions and leaders Lae City will be going up against Madang’s Tusbab Stallions in the main match at Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
Lae’s other matches will see Sepik face fellow winless rookies Northern Youth in the opening match at 11am.
Headed by coach Peter Gunemba, Lae City Dwellers will meet Morobe United at 1pm with both teams sitting in third and fifth places respectively. Fixtures: Sat, Aug 21 — Port Moresby Strikers v Southern Youth, Tavur v Gulf Komara, Central Dabari v Hekari United, Sepik v Northern Youth, Lae City Dwellers v Morobe United, Tusbab Stallions v Lae City.