Hekari seal top spot

PATRICIA KEAMO
HEKARI United sealed the top spot in the Southern Conference after beating second-placed National Capital District (NCD) 4-0 at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The Erickson Komeng-coached side kept NCD scoreless as their goals came from Marity Sep, Hotence Tserewana, Phyllis Pala and Calista Maneo.
“The win gives us the minor premiership which the team deserve because they have been working hard since the start of the season,” Komeng told The National.
“Each player has their own goals and visions, so it’s good to finally finish the season on top.
“I’m excited for my team who have done a lot of work, knowing it was going be a tough season.”
Hekari will play their last round match on Wednesday against Bernice before they prepare for the finals.
“We will continue to work on attack and defence,” Komeng said.
“Bernice won over the weekend, so they will be tough to beat.
“We will treat them like any other team.” Meanwhile, NCD head coach Wira Wama told this paper that he was proud of his side’s performance despite the loss.
“The girls did extremely well even though we played on Thursday,” he said.
“I’m satisfied with their performance.
“We have a lot of areas to improve on, so we’ll work on that leading up to the finals.
“I need to manage my team for the last match against Amoana.
“I have only 14 players and two goalkeepers.
“A few of my players are carrying injuries, so I have to manage them.”
Regardless of tomorrow’s result, NCD qualify for the finals as they are six points ahead of third-placed Amoana.
“I’m emotional because my players have sacrificed a lot to be second on the ladder.
“They deserve it.”
Results: Sat, May 14 – Rainy Lae 2 Bara 0, Poro 3 Tusbab Laidamon 2, Lahi Power 4 LFA Originals 0 (Northern), Amoana 4 Souths Hinamo 2, Bernice 4 Port Moresby Strikers 2, NCD 0 Hekari United 4 (Southern).