Hekari have one hand on trophy

webmaster Normal, Sports

By HENRY MORABANG
MRDC Hekari United coach Jerry Allen is relishing his team’s chances in tomorrow’s Telikom National Soccer League grand final when they take on CPL Eastern Stars at Lloyd Robson Oval.
A Solomon Islander, Allen plied his coaching skills with Hekari since the inception of the semi-professional competition six year’s ago was more qualified to see things this way.  
Allen is confident in senior local players such as Eric Komeng, Kema Jack, Koriak Upaiga, Ian Yanum plus three Fijians Pita Bolaitoga, Maciu Dunadamu and Taniela Waqa to shine tomorrow.
The notable absentees from the grand final would be David Muta (Sunshine Coast FC) and Andrew Lepani, who is out of the country on duty travel.
“The preparation for the grand final has been good and we are ready to face Eastern Star,” he said.
During the NSL season, Hekari drew twice with Star and but will go into the final as pre-match favourites on the back of their multiple-title-winning form.
Star coach Joseph Ealadona said his boys had been preparing well despite not being really tested in recent matches.
“My guys had not played for four consecutive weeks and not having a competitive game against a weakened Besta United in the semi-final did not help.
“However, we stuck together to beat them (1-0) on their home turf at Lae Football Academy,” he said.
Ealadona said he would be still calling on his big name players Michael Foster, Timothy Joe, Fabian Bagi, Felix Bondaluk, Jeremy Yasasa, Eliud Fugre, Paschal Wojem to lead the team.
“We always have the utmost respect for Hekari and this game will be no different,” he said.
Ealadona appealed to football fans to come to Lloyd Robson Oval to see the cream of the country’s soccer talent in action.
People outside Port Moresby, can follow the match live on EMTV who will televise the game live from PRL starting at 3pm.
It is a replay from last year’s grand final, and it should be a good game.
The winner of the match will grab the Telikom PNG Cup along with K60,000 while the runner-up gets K25,000.
The third place getter picks up K15,000 while fourth place will go home with K10,000.
The winner of the most valuable player of the season will pick up K10,000 and the Golden Boot winner gets K5,000.