Players excite manager

By PARKER TAMBUA
Hekari United manager Vonnie Kapi Natto says she is excited to see young players step up to semi-professional football in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League.
She told The National last week that despite releasing their overseas players due to the Covid-19 uncertainty, the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League side were focused on developing young footballers.
“I feel that they (young players) should have a go,” she said.
“I want to make sure we have a better team from next season.
“Hopefully, if a professional Oceania competition starts in 2023, I think we will be ready.
“It’ll be good that they’ll have a strong pathway and I’m excited about the approach we’re taking.”
Kapi Natto said she would retain all her senior players to complete the domestic season, which the Papua New Guinea Football Association has put on hold due to the pandemic.
The Mineral Resources Development Company-sponsored side’s most capped players are David Muta, Koriak Upaiga, Michael Foster and Daniel Joe, who still formed an integral part of the team.
Meanwhile, Kapi Natto said Hekari were not recruiting at this stage.
She made the statement when asked about rumours of her club looking to bring in players from rival clubs.
With eight rounds remaining, Hekari are third on the ladder. Ladder leaders Vitiaz United and defending champions Lae City occupy the top-two spots.