United aiming to be Morobe’s best

 MOROBE United FC will not divert its attention from comments made by newcomer, Lae FC, as it prepares for 2014 National Soccer League season which kicks off this Saturday.

Sponsored by Gigira Laitepo company, a subsidiary of Hide Gas Development Company (HGDC), the original and founding football team from Morobe will be out to restore lost pride.

Morobe United FC will have its 2014 campaign boosted by the inclusion of Madang big names in Neil Hans, Jamal Seeto and Max Sengum.

Team manager Toki Mambare (pictured) confirmed that the club is after their signatures.

“It’s a matter of time when the Madang trio will put pen to paper to play for the Libe Parindali franchise.” 

Hans and Sengum have parted ways with Port Moresby FC following the uncertainty of its inclusion in the 2014 NSL season.

The Madang trio will boost Morobe United FC’s playing ranks as they take on top contenders in Hekari United, Eastern Stars and Besta FC for the upcoming season. 

Mambare confirmed that the first match will be against newcomer Lae FC. 

There will be no love lost in this match as it will be mates versus mates. The bulk of the Lae FC team was the remanence of Morobe United. 

The departure of key midfielder Emmanuel Simon to greener pastures at Lae FC was unfortunate; however, Mambare rated Sengum as a notable replacement. 

The club has retained some of the players from last year while all those unwanted  who lacked discipline were removed from the team. 

Franchise owner Libe Parindali stressed in the meeting with Gigira management that he wants zero tolerance on alcohol in the team management and the players.

The Lae-based team was fortunate to have good hearted Hela-based resource owner company to support the youths by sponsoring the team. Mambare thanked Libe and his directors for backing the team for the last seven seasons.

Meanwhile, Lae have boosted its playing roster by signing on Goroba Tau, Japheth Tiampo, Kohu Liem, Emmanuel Simon and Emmanuel Yawi.

Their only import Harold Busk, a Tongan striker/midfielder will be joining the club after his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) is cleared by Fiji Football Association where he is current playing.

In related story, seven teams are confirmed to take part in the Telikom-sponsored competition starting on January 11.

The teams: Hekari United, Eastern Stars, Oro, Admiralty, Morobe United, Besta United, Lae.