Sepik honour Sir Michael

By PATRICIA KEAMO
SEPIK dedicated Saturday’s 3-1 win over Women’s National Soccer League Northern Conference winners Poro as a tribute to the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the country’s first prime minister.
Club general secretary Clarence Hukahu told The National yesterday that after learning of his passing, the conference runners-up made it their aim to win their remaining matches for the former East Sepik governor.
Sepik have qualified for Saturday’s Lae semifinals and the Gordan Torovu-coached side are optimistic of reaching the March 20 grand final with a win over Southern Conference winners Genesis.
Hukahu said with Poro continuing their perfect start until Saturday, many people were not expecting this result.
“The coaching staff and the team management believed in the team that we could defeat Poro,” he said.
“We’ve achieved that and we dedicate our win as a tribute to the late Grand Chief Sir Micheal Somare, who had been a great supporter of soccer and sports as a whole.”
Hukahu said the club would be printing Sir Michael tributes on black T-shirts which would go on sale.
“We’re appealing to the Sepik community in Lae to come in black (on Saturday) as we pay tribute to Sir Michael and face Genesis in the semifinals with the aim to win and advance to the grand final,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sepik plan to work on a few areas – including their finishing and midfield – before the semifinals.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Hukahu said.
Hukahu extended the club’s gratitude to the Sepik community in Lae as well as other individuals who had supported the team throughout the 14 rounds in the conference.
“Thank you to our supporters who have contributed in one way or another, including our friends from the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand who have connected with us via social media live streaming and media coverage,” he said.
“We look forward to the semifinals and we will give our best to come to Port Moresby (for the grand final).”