Triple play in Lae

 By HENRY MORABANG and ELLEN TIAMU

THE soccer-mad city of Lae will witness a feast of football when it hosts three matches to open  round two of the  Telikom National Soccer League at Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium tomorrow.

The opening match will see, PNGFA Besta U20 take on unpredictable Madang Fox at 10.30am before Tukoko University play Southern Highlands team, Petro Souths.

In the main game at 3pm, O-League champions, Hekari United will take on archrival, Gigira Laitepo Morobe which is expected to be firey clash.

Hekari stand-in coach Trevor Ire is likely to field a full-strength side which should include Morobe native – Ian Yanum taking the lead from his usual flank position. 

He will rally behind  classy teammates in Osea Vakatalesau and Kema Jack.

In the midfield, Samuel Kini, Eric Komeng, Malakai Tiwa and Abraham Iniga would provide necessary support along with veteran campaigner Andrew Lepani.

Alvin Singh should play a leading role in the backline with Koriak Upaiga. 

Both players have been the pillars for Hekari’s survival on the field with Godfrey Baniau the goalkeeper.

GL Morobe FC has been struggling due to non-payments of their player fees but this will not deter them from giving 100% at home when they take on the visiting NSL champions from Port Moresby.

Skipper Koroba Tawa, Armstrong Peka and Eliude Fugre are the men to watch for the Morobeans.

Playing at home in front of a partisan crowd should inspire Gigira to lift for the occassion.

Either way it should will be an enthralling tussle. 

PNGFA NSL organiser Joanna Masani said the gates will open at 9am and she is anticipating a record crowd to walk through the gates from as far as the Southern Highlands and Madang for tomorrow NSL treble.

Gate fees are K5 (grandstand), K2 (outer arena) and  K1 for children (under 16). 

K1 and K2 ticket holders will not be allowed onto the grandstand.