Lae City, Hekari primed

Morobe United, Wawens face uphill battle against semi-professional giants

By LARRY ANDREW
UNDERDOGS Morobe United and Morobe Wawens face an uphill battle against Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League front runners Lae City and Hekari United respectively in Lae tomorrow.
Defending champions City and Hekari are yet to drop points after winning their opening three matches in the country’s premier football competition.
Both sides have the quality and experience to secure wins at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium and it is up to their opponents to find their footing quickly if they are to pull off round-four upsets.
Coach Bob Morris, whose Wawens face Hekari first game (1pm kick-off) of the double-header, told The National that side were looking forward to giving Hekari a run for their money.
“We’ve been working on our fitness levels all week to stay in the contest for the entire match,” he said.
“Hekari are an experienced side but we will give our best shot.
“My players are excited to play Hekari as they have only heard about them and never faced them.
“It give my players the urge to lift their game this weekend and at the end of the game, the result will tell whether we put into action what we’ve been doing at training all week.”
Meanwhile, City coach Peter Gunemba is taking matches one at a time, knowing that teams are lifting their standards in an effort to be on par with the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side and Hekari.
“Every match is tough. Winning depends on whether you make the most of your chances on goal,” he said.
New Morobe United coach Samson Steven, taking over from Jack Jonathan, is adamant that his players will put on a strong performance against City.
With a draw in his maiden appearance as coach last weekend, Steven said the side had been working on their fitness levels and finishing, which had been lacking in their opening three matches.
“We’ll bank on the combination three former Besta PNG United players in Emmanuel Simongi, Obert Simon and Bruce Tiampo in the midfield. We must stay focused throughout the match,” he said.
“We are happy to welcome back Jeremy Yasasa who was injured in the first round. With his experience, Yasasa will be leading our younger players.”