Komara see Hekari clash as huge challenge

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
Gulf Komara coach Percy Mataio says facing Hekari United in round two of the National Soccer League (NSL) at the Sir John Guise Stadium tomorrow will be a huge challenge.
Gulf Komara went down 2-1 to NSL rookies Central United last weekend.
Mataio said they were working on fixing the areas that let them down.
But he said they were eager to bounce back under the leadership of co-captains Roniel Igens and Andrew Marampau.
“We created a lot of opportunities but our forwards did not execute as we hoped and planned,” Mataio said.
“Hekari are made up of very good players and they won the last game against Bougainville but I’m committed to face them.
“They know what it means to win so they won’t give up.
“But with the return of our goalkeeper George Kereka, we will be a lot more secure at the back.
“Igens and Marampau will lead the players.
“They showed strong leadership last week.
“So I’m backing them to repeat the effort.”
He said some of his players were unavailable last week due to illness.
“But they are available now and fit to go,” Mataio said.
“Soccer is a team sport that requires strategy and we’ve got ours for tomorrow’s match.”
Meanwhile, Hekari will be looking to continue their perfect record.
They will be looking to skipper David Muta to dictate play in the midfield.
Muta will be supported by Ati and Freddy Kepo.
John Philip will also look to a big statement in the fixture after he scored the winner against Bougainville last week.
Hekari coach Jerry Allan, who is always a calm and collected figure on the bench, said he would make a few changes if need be.
Fixtures: Sat, Feb 2 – Eastern Stars v Bougainville (10am), Hekari United v Gulf Komara (12.30pm), Port Moresby United v Star Mountain (3pm), Central United v Southern Strikers.