Hekari, NCD to battle

The National Sports

By PATRICIA KEAMO
ROUND four of the Women’s National Soccer League will see Hekari United and National Capital District (NCD) battle for the Southern Conference lead at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium tomorrow.
The Northern Conference will head into the second round with all matches played at the PNG Football Association Education Centre at 11-mile outside Lae.
Reliable sources told The National that the New Guinea Islands and Highlands Conferences had been deferred again, however, the association had not clarified why despite this paper’s request for confirmation.
With Hekari’s Faith Kasiray, Shalom Waida, Rumona Morris, Sonia Embahe and Marie Kaipu competing in a tri-nations series with the national team in Singapore, coach Erickson Komeng will need to be wary of NCD’s attack.
So far, both clubs have made a perfect start to the season.
“My players did well last week against Amoana,” Komeng told The National yesterday.
“We came from 0-1 down to win 5-2, so I’m sure they are ready to play NCD.
“I will need Georgina Bakani, Phylis Pala, Calista Maneo, Hilda John, Serah Waida and Linda Bunaga to step up.”
Coach Wira Wama, whose NCD beat Port Moresby Strikers 3-0, said they were focused on the top-of-the-table clash. “The game is just like any other match,” the former Hekari United midfielder said.
“We’re looking forward to playing them because they are the better side.
“They have an experienced and knowledgeable coach.
“They also have great players who can deliver results.”
In Port Moresby’s opening match, Central side Amoana will face Souths Hinamo at 11am.
Strikers will look to rebound against Bernice.
Meanwhile, the Northern Conference will see Lahi face Rainy Lae as both sides aim to maintain their perfect start.
Madang’s Tusbab Laidamon, who suffered a 0-1 loss to Rainy Lae, will aim to make amends in their 1pm match against rookies LFA Originals.
The main fixture will see reigning champions Poro look to continue their perfect start against Bara.
Fixtures, Sat, April 9 – Lahi v Rainy Lae, LFA Originals v Tusbab Laidamon, Bara v Poro, Amoana v Souths Hinamo, Port Moresby Strikers v Bernice.