Highlands match for Hekari United

SOCCER followers in Goroka will have the chance to see Oceania  and National Soccer League (NSL) champions, Hekari United in action against Petro Souths at the National Sports Institute (NSI) oval tomorrow.
Hekari will take this match seriously against the Mendi-based team as part of their preparation for the upcoming O-League match against Koloale next weekend before leaving for Abu Dhabi for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Depending on the international transfer certificate, Fiji number one striker Osea Vakatalesau will prove too dangerous for the Southern Highlands team.
Also backing him up is compatriot, Tuimasi Manuca, and PNG’s top striker Kema Jack.
Malakai Tiwa should combine well with midfielders David Muta and Samuel Kini while veteran campaigner Andrew  Lepani (off the bench),  and defenders Koriak Upaiga and Alvin Singh will keep Souths trying all day.
Hekari coach Jerry Allen knows that they have a task ahead of them as they travel to Eastern Highland’s capital this weekend.
Avoiding injury will also be weighing on his mind as his side looks to build up a good lead on the ladder before heading to Abu Dhabi.
Souths coach Mathew Witu is no stranger to Hekari as he was part of the club when it came on the scene.
Witu, who coached Besta PNG last year, will now lead his wantoks during the 2010-11 NSL season.
In Lae, Besta United will be up against Tukoko Lae University at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium while Madang Fox will host Eastern Star at Laiwaden Oval.
Eastern Star could become a force with the inclusion of former CMSS Tigers and Hekari players.
Star have picked up star duo Cyril Muta (Hekari) and Raymond Gunemba, (Tigers) to form the core of the team in this year’s campaign.
Also added to the team is Carrol Kakate from Flamingo FC in the Solomon Islands.
Kakate is the latest signing from neighbouring Melanesian country to join the NSL competition in PNG.
He will now join his two compatriots Timothy Joe (Koloale FC) and Paul Wade (Kossa FC) in the Milne Bay franchise.
Madang Fox coach Bob Morris will rely on his recruits from Port Moresby headed by Nathan Vincent, Anton Pipi, Hanson Daniel, Tracisius Gringo, Desmond Sow and Adolf Horris to help the Madang team.