Hekari grateful to host Champions League ties

By PARKER TAMBUA
Hekari United owner Vonnie Kapi Natto has thanked the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) for allowing her side to host a group stage of the Champions League for the first time.
The regional governing body made the announcement last week after Hekari United won the bid with PNGFA’s help.
“I thank OFC for having trust in Hekari and also PNGFA for supporting our bid,” Kapi Natto said.
“We were hoping to host a group stage years ago but it never eventuated and this will be the first time that PNG will be a hosting a Champions League group.
“This will be a great boost for football in the country, especially our children.
“For Hekari, we’ve many children in our football academy and we will invite them to be part of that.” Hekari will host New Caledonia champions Hienghene, New Zealand’s Eastern Suburbs and Vanuatu’s Galaxy in Group A at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby from Feb 16-22.
Kapi Natto said despite being the hosts, it would not be an easy road for her side as they would face equally determined and talented sides.
“Our pool will be very tough, the Eastern Suburbs are runner-up of New Zealand and Hienghene, from New Caledonia, did well in the Fifa Club World Cup this year. All these sides are strong.
“These are big teams but we are excited about the challenge.
“Our preparations are good and our players are looking forward to the challenge.
“We always believe that when you work hard, you deserve to win.
“But we will not underestimate them because we know they are top-class teams.”