Teams commended

SO close yet so far. Hekari FC and Lae City FC came so close to qualifying for the last eight play-offs but missed out on goal differences.
It was heartbreaking for local supporters who have been keenly following their progress with high hopes.
Not this year boys.
But there is always a next time. We can do it again.
Hekari was the team which set the trend for other teams outside New Zealand and Australia to dream big.
They did it with their qualification to the Club World Cup in Dubai few years back.
Hienghene Sport from New Caledonia did it last year.
This year our hopes of a team from PNG to advance has sadly ended in the first round.
We will wait for next qualifying stages to come around.
Apart from these two teams, all our local NSL teams should be encouraged for bring their game up to the next level.
Who knows, it might be another team representing PNG in the next OFC championship.
Even though our teams missed out their performances were not that far behind others.
The result of Lae city’s final game against Malampa (0-3) was not expected by the supporters considering their big win against Lautoka (7-0) in their previous match.
A real heart break for their supporters.
Nevertheless, congratulations to both teams for a strong showing in this year’s championships.

Kona Kik,
Waigani, NCD