Race on for 2nd spot in NSL southern comp

 By HENRY MORABANG

THE race for the second spot in the Southern Conference of Telikom National Soccer League is a three-way battle between FC Port Moresby, PKA Rapatona and Gigira Laitepo United.

With the top placing already taken by undisputed Hekari United, the chase for the only available spot is in red-hot competition between these three teams.

Favourite FC Port Moresby must win the remaining two games to consolidate their claim but they have to beat Hekari and Erema respectively.

On current form, the Robert Popat-coached side can cause an upset if they carry on their form from last weekend’s match against Rapatona.

Nathan James, the only East New Briton plying his football skills at the semi-professional level, is the man to watch. 

Picking up his third Telikom Man of the Match award has made him the most sought player by NSL clubs. 

The second hottest tip for the only available spot is PKA Rapatona. The Max Foster-coached team is the hot and cold team of the competition and it is unpredictable.

With some of the best players coming through the ranks, Rapatona will be a team to watch. 

The Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers-backed team must win the remaining two games, and hope FC Port Moresby loses one of their matches.

David Passam’s Gigira Laitepo United have a mountain to climb in the remaining two games.

Gigira must win the two remaining games against Erema and Rapatona to keep their final hope alive. 

A loss will certainly throw them out of the competition, and they will have to come prepared for next season.

The unofficial point ladder: Hekari 24, FC Port Moresby 13, Rapatona 10, Gigira Laitepo 8, Huawei 7, Erema 7