Upaiga to lead Hekari

HEKARI United veteran Koriak Upaiga has been named as captain of their 23-man squad for group A of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League in Port Moresby.
The Mineral Resources Development Company-sponsored side will face New Zealand’s Eastern Suburbs (Sunday, 3pm kick-off), defending champions Hienghene Sport (Feb 19, 3pm) and Vanuatu’s Galaxy (Feb 22, 3pm).
Franchise owner Vonnie Kapi Natto said yesterday that veteran midfielder Michael Foster would be Upaiga’s deputy.
“Our former captain (David Muta) had sustained a groin injury for a long time and we are not sure how he will hold up during our Champions League campaign,” she said.
“He was not consistent on the field so we went with Upaiga’s appointment.
“Upaiga has served as Muta’s deputy for quite a long time so we have given him the opportunity to lead our side now. He has Muta’s blessing.”
Kapi Natto said she would be counting on her senior players to step up and lead their side throughout the campaign.
“We are so privileged to have a blend of experienced players plus other young talent from Rigo,” she said.
“We have four international players so that should hold us in good stead for the OFC Champions League.”
Squad: David Muta, Koriak Upaiga, Daniel Joe, Patrick Aisa, Ishmael Pole, Wilson Kila, Roger Saking, Otto Kusunan, Michael Foster, Dave Tomare, Kolu Kepo, Ati Kepo, Freddie Kepo, Nathan James, Eric Joe Ribeiro Lopez, Vinicius Reis Kryzozun, Junior David, Vito Laloata, Chris Biasu, Jonah Philip, Solomon Rani Vanya Malagian, Langarap Samol.