West Tribe proud to develop talent despite losing to Hekari

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
Despite losing 2-0 to an experienced Hekari United outfit, New Guinea Islands Conference runners-up West Tribe say they are proud to be among the best Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League clubs in the country.
West Tribe coach Hans Fred accepted the loss but said the most exciting thing about the team was that they were made up of homegrown talent.
Fred said he knew that Hekari were made up of experienced and former international players but developing raw talent in West New Britain had been the story for the Kimbe club all season.
“We have raw talent from the settlements around Kimbe and they seem promising in the sport,” Fred said.
“Hekari are a big club in the Southern Conference and Toti City in Northern.
“We have taken a lot out of our game against Hekari.
“We picked up a lot of things and we will build on this experience.
“West Tribe are a new team but our start was good. We embrace the game that is mostly played in the province and we thank Papua New Guinea Football Association president John Kapi Natto for introducing soccer in all the four regions.”
Hekari coach Jerry Allan said he surprised about the Tribe’s performances and acknowledged their talent.
“Unlike us, their (Tribe) season is over but they have proven that they are a really good side,” Allan said.
“They managed to keep very close watch on us and we congratulate them for putting on a strong performance in their final match of the season.”
The Solomon Islander said they were looking forward to the home-and-away series which starts this weekend.
Saturday’s game at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium saw Hekari’s defence putting up a strong wall to prevent Tribe from scoring any goals.
Tribe matched Allan’s men but lost their way when Hekari won a penalty in the 20th minute.
Solomon Islands recruit Tutizama Tanito made no mistake to put Hekari in front .
Seven minutes later, striker Kolu Kepo added another goal for Hekari.
Tribe came back strongly after the break, keeping Hekari at bay until the final whistle.
Meanwhile, the clash between Chebu AROB and the Eastern Stars was called of due to heavy rain at Ceremonial Park in Kokopo.
NSL assistant manager Micah Kaneng told The National last night that the date and venue for the match would be confirmed today.