Hekari: We deserve it

By ISAAC LIRI
HEKARI United’s lead in the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited NSL’s Southern Conference after four rounds is well-deserved, says the club’s assistant coach Erick Komeng.
The 34-year-old former Hekari midfielder said their position as ladder leaders was the result of months of intensive training prior to the start of competition.
“We’ve been training very hard over the last couple of months and I think we deserve to be where we are at the moment,” Komeng said.
“We trained during Christmas and we can see the fruits of our hard work on the field during game time.
“It’s been two years that we’ve been out of the competition and now that we are back, we have to prove that we are a competitive club like we were before.
“I think where we are now reflects the hard work and commitment the boys put in during the last couple of months.
“We’ve seen that every game we’ve played so far is tough, no matter who our opponents are.
“Last weekend’s clash with Port Moresby United was no different.
“They’re a good team but we were lucky enough to score one goal and win it.”
Captain David Muta pulled up with a left knee injury over the weekend and will be closely monitored ahead of this weekend’s fixture.
“He’s taking the day off today (Monday) to recover and hopefully he plays this weekend,” Komeng said.
“We are looking forward to this weekend and we have to maintain our top spot. That means we have to win again.”
Komeng singled out the Kepo brothers — Kolu, Freddy and Ati — for contributing to the side’s strong form.
“The brothers are very talented,” Komeng said.
“I played alongside the eldest brother, Kolu, during my time as a player.
“The other two, Freddy and Ati, are promising players. Their work rate is very good and I won’t be surprised if the three of them make it into the PNG Kapuls one day.”
Southern Conference standings: Hekari 12, Port Moresby 9, Central United 9, Gulf Komara 6, Bougainville 6, Eastern Stars 3, Southern Strikers 3, Star Mountain 0.