Improving Strikers to test City FC

TOTI City FC are not underestimating the Southern Strikers whom they face tomorrow in Lae coach Peter Gunemba says.
The Strikers, putting up an impressive second half performance last Saturday in Port Moresby against Madang FC, are heading into another big test against the competition’s best side.
“We’re looking forward to another good game against the Strikers,” Gunemba said.
“We know they’re young; most of them come from the Port Moresby schools comp but we won’t underestimate them.
“As coach, I’m already looking ahead to the OFC Champions League quarterfinals next month and we have only three NSL matches letf to help us prepare for that.
“This Saturday’s game will tell me where we are in our preparations,” Gunemba added.
In terms of injuries, City midfielder Troy Gunemba is recovering from a hamstring strain while the rest of the squad are fit and ready.
Defender Morsie Milubwa, who was given two yellow cards last week, was slapped with a K400 fine and will take the field after the fine is paid.
“He’s one of our best defenders and we’re not sure yet if he’ll play depending on the sponsors but if he doesn’t then they’re replacements who can fill in for him.”
For the Strikers, team advisor John Mogi was impressed with their performance last week and believed they had improved after six rounds.
“Most of the boys in the Strikers are from the Port Moresby Soccer Schools Association and I’m so impressed with them because they have stepped up,” Mogi said.
“I think the boys have found their form and started believing in themselves which is great to see.
“In the beginning there was a lot of doubt but we’ve changed that perception with good performances and that’s our success story,” Mogi said.
In Lae, Madang take on PNG United, who were on the bye last round. The match in Port Moresby will see FC Momase host FC Morobe Wawens, who are coming off a massive 10-1 win over Buang FC.
Fixtures: Sat, March 17 – 1230 Toti City FC v Southern Strikers, 1500 Madang FC v Besta PNG United (Lae), 1500 FC Momase v FC Morobe Wawens (NCD). Bye: Buang FC.