Hekari recruit Vanimo association’s Hamadi

By PATRICIA KEAMO
NATIONAL Soccer League (NSL) heavyweights Hekari United have recruited a Vanimo Soccer Association player to boost their campaign for the 2021 season.
Club manager Vonnie Kapi Natto said Daniel Hamadi, who can operate up front or from midfield, had been released by the association three weeks ago.
He arrived in Port Moresby on Tuesday.
“This is historic for the club as we have never picked a player from Vanimo since the club’s establishment, but I believe in Vanimo soccer and the people there,” she said.
“I’m honoured to have one of their best players and we know there must be a lot of great players there.
“Coach Erickson was impressed with him at training (on Tuesday).
“We are very lucky to have him this season and hopefully we can keep him in the coming years to become a part of our Hekari family.
“I always believed in getting players from outside, raw talents are easy to train and with good coaches, I believe they can prosper.
“My fear is many players from the city do not have the passion to drive the team.”
Kapi Natto said she had never seen Hamadi in action, but had only heard of him before taking a gamble on the player.
Hekari skipper David Muta said: “Daniel joining us is a good thing, we are happy to have him and with his own experience as one of the best, he’s a plus for our team.”
Hamadi, who played for Madang in the 2015-16 NSL season, said he was looking forward to playing with Hekari.
“It a dream come true for such a player from another province in the country,” he said.
“Coming here, it’s a boost for myself and my career to play alongside big names in the country like David Muta, Michael Foster and Nigel Dabinyaba.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the team and giving my best.”