Pom, Lae to host NSL double headers

THE Telikom National Soccer League (NSL) double headers in Port Moresby and Lae are anticipating a good turnout when they host their respective matches tomorrow.
In Port Moresby, Esiloan University Inter FC take on CMSS Tigers while reigning champions Hekari United clash with Gelle Hills at the Lloyd Robson Oval while at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Eastern Star lock horns with Niupetro Fox and the young guns, Besta PNG United take on Tukoko Lae University.
After a 4-3 victory over Eastern Star on Wednesday, Hekari surged ahead as clear leaders with 28 points.
They have the minor premiership in their sight to boost their chances to represent PNG in the O-League challenge next year.
Hekari will field a much stronger side against Hills.
The side coached by Wesley Waiwai with Lua Vagi as assistant will have to come up with winning strategy to cut down the opponents’ midfield and deny their strikers Kema Jack, Tuimasi Manuca and Joachim Waroi from scoring any goals.
Coach Jerry Allen knows what it takes so he will be banking on a much stronger Hekari side compared to their last outing against Eastern Star.
In the opening match, it is a grudge match with University having a score to settle against CMSS Tigers.
Tigers came from behind to force a draw in their last outing and the side under the guidance of Robert Popat will be much tougher this time around.
Popat and his assistant Clement Cafu Anisan would rely on their skipper Niel Hans to call the shots with the assistance of striker Felix Bonduluk, midfielder Roniel Igens and defender Trevor Ire.
Tigers coach Joowan Jung should is expected to field Raymond Gunemba, who will run alongside striker Bruce Kusunan, while midfielder Sowera Guti and skipper Ken Gule will dictate play.
Flankers Ian Yanum and Mathew Mende should give additional support to ensure they win the match.
In Lae, Eastern Star should find Niupetro Fox hard to beat while Besta PNG United, after their first win over the Tigers, are expected to give Tukoko University a tough time.