Hekari face major test

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By HENRY MORABANG

REIGNING champions Hekari United will face a major test from the fast-improving Niugini Builders Tukoko University in the final match of round one of the Telikom Cup National Soccer League challenge in Lae tomorrow.
This is the first double header match in Lae while the other match would see new kids on the block Besta PNG Utd against neighbours Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC.
Hekari United have blamed their lack of match fitness and training after conceding a 1-1 draw against CMSS Tigers last Saturday and will be out to prove their worth when they take on Tukoko University.
Coaches Jerry Allen and Tommy Mana are doing everything in the books to shut out the University attack, especially Solomon Islands import Clifford Wate.
Wate has proven a lethal weapon for University Lae and will be taking the lead in the forward line with some assistance from fellow striker Mopited Jeremoa and the pint-sized flanker Freddie Patello.
In the midfield, Lesley Nate and Bobby Kabekabe, with support from Giamang Seseme and Edrick Manuta, will ensure their forwards get enough balls to bombard the Hekari United goalmouth.
The backline will be manned by Jeffrey Base, Daniel Mambu and Steven Ambale who would provide necessary back-up to stop Hekari strikers Kema Jack, Tuimasi Manuca and Joachim Waroi.
Allen and Mana know where to hit Tukoko and it will certainly be an interesting game to watch.
The reigning champions will be counting on skipper David Muta and Samuel Kini in the midfield while Cyril Muta, Brian Tuhiana and Koriak Upaiga will have to double up to cut down Clifford Wate and Jeremoa from scoring.
In the other match, PNG Besta United under coach Matthew Witu will certainly give a good game against their opponents. GL Morobe, who had an impressive 5-1 win in their last outing, should lift their performance against the young guns to register their second win.
In Madang, Niupetro Fox will take on Esiloan University Inter while in Port Moresby, CMSS Tigers must beat Gelle Hills to maintain their spot or surrender their lead to either Hekari or Hills.