Hekari wary

By PATRICIA KEAMO
AFTER missing last year’s OFC Champions League campaign following their loss to Lae City, Hekari United will have to dig deeper to reach this year’s National Soccer League grand final to be in the O-league playoff.
Hekari coach David Muta’s immediate challenge tomorrow is seeing off a star-studded Gulf Komara in the NSL semifinal at the PNG Football Stadium.
The two Southern conference clubs will faceoff at 3pm with the winner to secure a grand final spot and a chance to qualify for the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League.
Muta said his men were ready for Gulf Komara’s challenge.
“We are working really hard on the training pitch to do our best in the game,” Muta said.
“We have to keep the same team spirit going into the game, with contributions from our coaching team.
“We know that Komara is a very strong team with experienced players including Michael Foster and Nigel Dabinyaba.
“The other players are also very good and we have to be ready for them, we always take one game at a time so we look forward to this one.”
Hekari will be relying the Joe brothers – Daniel, Moses and Joseph – and the Kepo brothers Ati, Kolu and Freddy. Daniel is expected to lead Hekari’s defence with assistance from Godfrey Haro and Peter Dabinyaba Jr.
Youngsters Yagi Yasasa and Solomon Rani will ramp up the midfield to create combinations for forwards Ati and Kolu along with Oberth Simon upfront.
Meanwhile, Komara will capitalise on the combinations of Foster and Dabinyaba flanked by skipper Kenneth Arah and Rupa Emil. Also in Komara’s arsenal are forwards Jordan Kaven and veteran Tau Winnie – both of whom impact the game coming off the bench.
“Our preparations have gone well and the team is in good spirits. They are ready for Saturday,” Komara coach David Aua said ahead of tomorrow’s match.
“We have worked hard on all aspects of our game in attacking and defending.
“Hekari is a champion club and we respect who they are.”
Meanwhile in Lae, a friendly but challenging affair is expected in the semifinal fixture between reigning champions City and underdogs Lae Natives at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
City’s head coach Bob Morris said his side would miss the services of a few key players including the Komolong brothers Alwin and Felix as well as Stahl Gubag, however he was banking on his remaining men – who have been impressive throughout the season for the defending champions.
Natives team manager Nigel Kiaka said his team was prepared to take on an experienced City side.
Fixtures – Saturday, Jan 21, 3pm: Lae City v Lae Natives (Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium – Lae), Gulf Komara v Hekari United (PNG Football Stadium – POM).
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