Hekari upbeat

By PARKER TAMBUA
HOSTS Hekari United are backing their firepower and game plan to get off to a winning start against New Zealand’s Eastern Suburbs in Port Moresby on Sunday (3pm kick-off).
Victory would provide the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League ladder leaders the momentum against New Caledonia’s Hienghene Sport (Feb 19, 3pm) and Vanuatu’s Galaxy (Feb 22, 3pm) in group A of the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
The 2009-10 champions will bank on the experience of Brazilian imports Vinicius Kryzozun and Eric Joe.
Samoan striker Vito Laloata and the Kepo brothers — Kolu and Ati — will provide firepower up front.
Franchise owner Vonnie Kapi Natto said on Wednesday that her side’s spine would be the PNG internationals and veterans Koriak Upaiga (captain), David Muta and Michael Foster.
“We will take it one game at a time,” Kapi Natto said.
“We know that it will be tough but our main aim is to top the group.”
Coach Jerry Allen said it was the first time Papua New Guinea had hosted a Champions League group and that with the home advantage, his side were confident of finishing on top.
“It has been a long time coming for PNG football fans,” Allen said.
“They have never seen such level of football and I know they will get behind us. We are prepared.
“We have our tactics and strategies in place but we know it will be tough. We’re aiming to advance to the next stage.”