Raps, Reds clash
The National, Friday November 27th, 2015
By HENRY MORABANG
RAPATONA will miss the services of their marquee signing, Patrick Aisa, when they take on Hekari United in Round 2 of the Southern Conference National Soccer League tomorrow at Bisini soccer ground.
Aisa took a weekend off for compassionate leave to attend the funeral and the burial of his close friend Chuckstan Aopi in Kavieng, New Ireland. Rapatona coach Max Foster and his assistant Clement Cafu Anisan will be hoping one of their bench players can step in to fill the void against the Reds, who hardly broke a sweat in their 4-2 win over Gigira Laitepo last week.
Aisa confirmed with The National that he would be Kavieng for Aopi’s burial ceremony.
Aisa and Aopi formed a successful combination during their years with Yamaros in the Port Moresby Soccer Association’s Super League competition.
Coach Foster did not want to dwell on Aisa’s absence as he had enough players such as flanker Chucha Posman, whose speed and attacking flair will be needed against Hekari.
Rapatona, after a well-deserved win 2-1 under their belt, are all fired up to meet the former champions.
They will rely on captain Michael Foster, Yagen Nalu and Clement Willis to feed agile striker Patterson Elizah.
Hekari coach Jerry Allen will be counting on midfield combination of David Muta, Barry Mansale and Emmanuel Simon to decide the win.
The midfield combination was outstanding against Gigira and Rapatona can expect them to reach that level at least.
Striker Koriak Upaiga is likely to take his spot forward and centre, with support from Rodney Mobiha and Papalau Awele, while in the backline Daniel Joe and Jeremy Yasasa are going to have to rise another level against Rapatona’s attack.
In the other match tomorrow, an upset is imminent if Huawei PS United are not careful.
Erema striker Tau Winnie is the man to watch and will be supported by Leana Geno from the midfield and Toru Simoi from the wing.
The Eric Petrus-coached team must reshuffle its cards when they take on the Gulf provincial government-backed franchise.
In the midfield, Paul Komboi will partner Michael Lohai to ensure striker Frank Tulem gets enough balls to shoot at the opposition goal.
Daniel Petrus was outstanding in defence last week and more is expected from him this week against the Gulf side.
On the edges, the fast finishing Henry Ronny could create problems for the opposition backline.