United out to upset giants

THE stage for the National Soccer League grand final is set for a David-Goliath battle between Besta PNG United and Toti City FC in Lae.
The Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity to witness tomorrow’s decider.
The Under-23 Academy side (Besta United) head into the game as underdogs and the clash is the biggest game of they will have been involved with in their careers.
United coach Harrison Kamake admitted that defending champions City were the favourites and they (United) would be primed to play their best with nothing to lose.
“We know that earning a spot in the grand final was a bit of history making for us but now our biggest challenge is upon us,” Kamake said.
“I think the boys have done well for themselves to come this far, having to beat strong sides like FC Morobe Wawens and Madang FC has given us a lot of confidence that we can do well against a team like City.
“Our approach will be the same as usual.
“We’ll do the same against any side we play.
“We don’t want to overthink stuff and just follow our game plan, maintain a strong defence and quality attack, take our chances and hopefully create history.
“The players know that it’s going to be the toughest game of their careers as young footballers and I think it’s going to be a great experience for them.
“The boys are nervous but we just have to get past those nerves to have a shot at winning.
“Whether we win or lose, we’ve come this far, we’ve a made a grand final, that indicates the potential our young footballers have.
“It definitely tells us that our future in football is bright,” Kamake said.
City FC coach Peter Gunemba said his men were not underestimating their opponents even though they were the defending champions and had the greater experience and were the favourites.
“The young boys from Besta are very skilful and energetic and I know they will give us a good challenge,” Gunemba said.
“They’ve beaten Madang and Morobe Wawens and they’ve earn that respect so the last thing we want to do is underestimate them.”
Both sides have met twice this year with City victorious in round 1 (3-2) and round 13 (3-0).
The team lists for both sides will be finalised tomorrow before the game.
City are expected to use their full strength squad with PNG representatives led by Raymond Gunemba, Nigel Dabinyaba, Obert Bika, Jacon Sabua, Emmanuel Simon, Ronald Warisan and Clement Willis.
United’s Ricky Wadunah and Barthy Kerobin are the key to their team’s chances of causing a boil over in the final.