Hekari four join Marist

 By HENRY MORABANG
FOUR Hekari United FC players have been signed up with Marist FC of the Solomon Islands for their national soccer league this season
The players are captain David Muta, Tommy Semmy, Koriak Upaiga and Daniel Joe.
Hekari United team manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto confirmed the signing, saying the four would leave on Sunday for Honiara.
With no competition in Port Moresby, the four will use this tournament to keep in shape, and hopefully win the championship for Marist.
Marist are coached by Brazillian Juliano Antonio Schmeling, who is also the Solomon Islands national coach.
Schmeling is assisted by Allen brothers – Sam and Hekari’s own Jerry. The club sponsor, Y-Sato from Japan, has agreed to accommodate and pay their expenses including match payments during their stay in Honiara.
Schmeling, who watched the four players during the Nations Cup in Port Moresby last month is convinced they can make a big contribution to his side’s quest for the title.
The S-League will start from July until November which should keep the four players fit until the PNG National Soccer League kicks off in February next year.
Kapi Natto said a similar arrangement was also sought for three players from Wantok FC in the NCDPSSA, who would play with second division teams in Honiara.
Semmy had the opportunity to play in New Zealand but the clubs he was hoping to play for had not responded positively which saw him join Marist instead.