Jack stars in Hekari 5-2 thrashing of FNQ Bulls

HEKARI United FC started their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on a high note after defeating Far North Queensland Bulls side 5-2 at Mareeba Oval, Cairns, Australia.
Officiated by Football Federation Australia referee from Brisbane, more than 300 people braved the cool Mareeba weather to see the O-League champions and PNG champions beating the Bulls.
Striker Kema Jack was in devastating form scoring four of the five goals while Joachim Waroi picked up the other  for Hekari while FNQ replied with two goals due to backline errors. 
Hekari United franchise owner John Kapi Natto said all the players had the run along with the first 11 in Jack (captain), Tuimasi Manuca, David Muta, Waroi, Benjamin Mela, Eric Komeng, Koriak Upaiga, Pita Bolaitoga, Alvin Singh, Brian Tuhiana and Gure Gabina (goalkeeper).
The players who stood out were Jack, Muta, Upaiga, Waroi, Alvin Singh, Bolaitoga. The reserves were Tau Winnie, Ian Yanum, Bekam Yanum, Samuel Kini, Godfrey Baniau and Leslie Kalai.
Natto said one of Jack’s goals shocked the crowd and the team when he fired a 25m shot that smashed the target.
Muta, the midfield maestro, was brilliant with build-up of short passes that created a lot of balls for his teammates to score and he brilliantly set up Waroi to score the first goal.
Hekari had another chance to extend their lead with two runaway attempts when Jack beat the opposing defenders had he opted to pass to Tuimasi and Joachim that could have stretch their lead to seven.
The Bulls acknowledged that the pace was too fast for them and they could not cope with this style of football.
There were some positive responses from the crowd, who said that the energy level in the team was unbelievable.
They said it was a good team and they deserved the win.
Hekari United FC will play their second match against the North Queensland Fury at Townsville’s Brolga Park tomorrow night.
Hekari and NQ Fury are using the game as part of their preparations for their respective tournaments – Hekari for FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and Fury for the new A-League season.
It will be the Fury’s third-last hit-out before their Hyundai A-League campaign starts in Perth on Aug 6.
Head coach Franz Straka is looking for further improvement tomorrow after the Fury demolished the Whitsunday Miners 8-0 in Mackay last week.