Hekari, Vitiaz clash

By ROBINSON LEKA
HEKARI United will aim to topple second-placed Vitiaz United when both sides in meet in round 14 of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League in Port Moresby tomorrow (11am kick-off).
Hekari are three points behind Vitiaz in third but a win will see coach Eric Komeng’s men move up to second with a better goal difference.
They bounced back from their round-12 loss to ladder leaders and defending champions Lae City with a 6-0 win over Kutubu in Port Moresby on Saturday.
But Hekari manager Vonnie Kapi Natto said they were not getting carried away by the result.
“It will be a tough game against Vitiaz,” she said.
“We know that we have to work hard and get the basics right.
“Our errors need to be cut down.
“We’re capable of doing well against Vitiaz but it will not be easy as they have great players.”
Komeng will be counting on midfielders David Muta, Wira Wama and Michael Foster to provide enough scoring opportunities for forwards Nigel Dabinyaba and Raymond Gunemba.
Vitiaz will be out to defend second spot with skipper Eliud Fugre leading in-form Mathew David, Yagi Yasasa and Johnathan Allan.
“We’re slowly gaining momentum but it doesn’t mean that we’re comfortable with what we have,” Vitiaz manager Rogena Strach said after their 6-3 win over the Tusbab Stallions on Saturday.
“There are still areas that my players need to work on.
“We can’t underestimate any team.
“Everyone’s fighting for the top spot so we need to maintain and build on what we have.
“We need to play smart football.”
Meanwhile, in the other matches of Port Moresby’s triple-header, Bougainville will look to bounce back from their 2-9 loss to City when they face Morobe United (1pm) and Gulf Komara are eyeing their second-straight victory against Wawens (3pm).
Fixtures: Sat, Aug 29 – Kutubu v Lae City, Vitiaz United v Hekari United, Tusbab Stallions v Star Mountain, Bougainville v Morobe United, Gulf Komara v Morobe Wawens.