Komara eye competition leaders

By PARKER TAMBUA
GULF Komara are aiming to end competition leaders Hekari United’s winning start when they meet in round three of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
Coach David Aua told The National yesterday that his side were solid in the opening rounds with close loses to Bougainvile (2-3) and defending champions Lae City (0-1) last month.
Aua said he would maintain the same line-up from the first two rounds but said his team needed improvement in their execution and defence to give themselves a chance to topple Hekari.
“We played well in the first two games but it was the little errors in defence and execution that let us down,” he said.
“The good thing is there is confidence among our players. We have reset over the Christmas break and if we can improve on some of the mistakes from previous games, then we should have a chance against Hekari.
“Hekari are a champion team and it’s a big ask but we just have to be consistent throughout the match and see what happens.” Aua said he was anticipating experienced players Kila Api and PNG international Donovan Murray to lead the side tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Hekari United coach Jerry Allan told The National that his side would use the NSL games in January as trials for Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League campaign but said they also had to win those matches to maintain their status in the domestic league.
“The bulk of our squad are inexperienced youths and we want use these NSL games as a trial to work on combinations but it is important that we win those games as well,” Allan said.
“We will try out some new players against Gulf Komara.
“Our new Solomon Islands goalkeeper Anthony Talo will play his first game for Hekari.”