Toti looking to tame Wawens

Defending champions Toti City FC will look to keep the in-form FC Morobe Wawens at bay in their top-of-the-table clash at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium on Sunday.
Besta PNG United, who lost last time out, and FC Momase will do battle to get the double-header underway in Lae.
Coming off with three straight wins, the Wawens will be desperate to extend the run with a win over the competition leaders.
Toti coach Peter Gunemba told The National yesterday that they won’t be taking their opponents lightly.
“The Wawens have been building in recent weeks and they will want to maintain second spot,” Gunemba said.
The Wawens leapfrogged Madang FC into second after they beat Besta PNG United last weekend.
“They tasted what it’s like to win and they are also focussing on the minor premiership, so we have to be prepared well for this game,” Gunemba said.
“They’ve shown courage in recent weeks and we respect them for that.
“That is why we won’t be taking them lightly.
“Last week, we saw Madang FC play very strongly in front of their home fans.
“I think it was Madang’s best performance since the season started and we ended up with a draw.
“This will be our last NSL match before we head to New Zealand for the OFC Champions League and the challenge we’re getting at the moment in the NSL is good for us.”
Wawens coach Peter Seske said his players had fought their way up to second place and were keen on coming away with the points.
“The team learned from the last match against City where we surrendered the lead and lost 3-2,” he said.
“Playing the champions in front of our supporters will see soccer played at the highest level.
“Spectators can expect the best of Morobe football to be on show.”
Saturday’s match in Port Moresby will see the Southern Strikers hosting Buang FC.
Madang FC are on a bye this weekend.
Meanwhile, Toti are racing the clock to sort out their visa and passport issues ahead of their travel to New Zealand next week.
“Midfielder Emmanuel Simon is renewing his passport, while two of our Solomon Islands players need to sort out their visas,” Gunemba said.
“Andrew Rarangia left us to go back to the Solomon’s to sort that out, and we are yet to receive word from him and Tutizama Tanito.
“The loss of these two players will be a major setback for us.
“We are just hoping that all these issues are sorted out on time.”
Fixtures: Sat, March 31 – Southern Strikers v Buang FC (3pm); Sun, April 1 – Besta PNG United v FC Momase (12.50pm), Toti City FC v FC Morobe Wawen’s (3pm)