Petro Souths take on wounded Hekari

 By HENRY MORABANG

SOUTHERN Highlanders in Port Moresby will have the chance to watch their own football team in action when Petro Souths take on reigning champions Hekari United in the Telikom National Soccer League at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby tomorrow.

The Mendi-based team will fly into today to face fellow highlanders from Kutubu based in Port Moresby.

Souths coach Mathew Witu knows the mammoth task ahead against his former club.

Hekari are still licking their wounds coming  off two back-to-back sub par performances in O-League and their upset loss to Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC last weekend. 

United stand-in coach Trevor Ire needs to get his charges focused for Souths.

The club is experiencing problems with no coach while some of its senior players have yet to rejoin the club.

Hekari will be relying on local talents in Samuel Kini, Koriak Upaiga, Jack Kema plus their overseas players Abraham Iniga, Alvin Singh, Tuimaci Manuca and Malakai Tiwa to win the game.

In Lae, Besta United after their impressive 5-2 win over Madang Fox are likely to keep the momentum going when they play Gigira at home.

Impressive striker Jahmal Seeto and Nigel Dabinyaba will lead the youngsters from the PNGFA Academy.

Coach Max Foster will be riding on last weekend’s victory to give his former team something to think about.

Gigira will rely on seasoned campaigners Goroba Tawa, Armstrong Peka, Eliuda Fugre to lead the Morobean’s campaign.

In Madang, theFox are all set to meet Eastern Stars at Laiwaden Oval.

Last weekend’s loss to the Besta United has forced coach Bob Morris to rethink his stategy in efforts to remain a force.

According to reports from Madang, senior players Tarcisius Mandarip and Robin Malwok are under the pump to produce after a dismal performances last weekend.

Morris has made several changes shifting fullback Frank Tulem to striker while recalling Don Angogi and Raymond Bailey back for this crucial match against the Stars.

Angogi and Bailey had specific task to mark their teammate Adrian Komu who will come in Stars uniform. It should be an interesting match to watch with teammates versus team mates.