Hekari’s Gunemba, Dabinyaba wary of challenge

HEKARI United recruits Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba are wary of the challenge ahead of them as the third-placed side look to make up ground when the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League resumes on Aug 1.
After 10 rounds, Rookies Vitiaz United lead the competition with 25 points followed by defending champions Lae City and Hekari – both on 23 – with eight rounds left before the playoffs.
Gunemba and Dabinyaba said they would give their best in a bid to propel Hekari to top spot at the end of the regular season.
They thanked franchise manager Vonnie Kapi Natto for giving them a chance to resurrect their football career after the pair walked out on City in protest of coach Peter Gunemba’s sacking earlier this year.
Kapi Natto said it would be a challenge for Gunemba and Dabinyaba to win back the hearts of fans following their departure from the Lae-based side. But the Papua New Guinea internationals said all they wanted was a chance to prove that they still had a lot to offer to the sport.
“We are aware of the discipline and commitment expected by Hekari,” veteran striker Gunemba said.
“The franchise manager enforces strict discipline and we’re prepared to put in the hard yards.
“As a footballer, the hunger to play football always remains and we are privileged to be handed another chance.”
Fellow forward Dabinyaba said: “We wish to continue playing top-level football.
“In the past, football was played at an amateur level but with the advances of semi-professional football, we both want a better deal for ourselves and our families.
“We know that Hekari will look after us and our families well.
“It is a team sport so all 11 players have a duty to do to ensure we produce good results.”