Hekari United arrive in Doha

By HENRY MORABANG in DOHA, Qatar
MRDC Hekari United team arrived early Wednesday morning in Doha, Qatar, ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi next week.
The team arrived in two groups  – the first headed by team administrator Seamus Marten arrived at 2pm while the rest of the team arrived later at 6pm via Melbourne.
The Oceania champions were booked at Doha’s five-star hotel, the Millennium Hotel, which would be their temporary home until Sunday when they will fly to Abu Dhabi for their major assignment against the hosts, Al Wahda.
Despite the long journey, they went into their first training session late Wednesday afternoon at Qatar Sports Academy in preparation for their first match against a Qatar side yesterday which participated in the Gulf Cup.
Team manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto instructed his players to follow instructions and stressed to them the purpose of their trip to Abu Dhabi.
She warned her players not to worry about the environment they were in playing in front of 40,000 spectators in their opening match next Wednesday.
The warm-up match is to acclimatise the players and ensure they stay focus on the big game ahead.
Coach Tommy Mana is confident the players will  give their best during their friendly match and also the opening match against hosts, Al Wahda.
All the players, including the inform Solomon Islands duo Henry Fa’arado and Gideon Omokirio, plus the Fijians and the PNG players are in Doha.
For the majority of the players, it is the first time to travel to this part of the world but have vowed to keep their heads high and do the job at hand.