WNSL playoffs start tomorrow

By PATRICIA KEAMO
VISITORS Mt Hagen says they are prepared to give Hekari United a run for their money in tomorrow’s the Women’s National Soccer League quarterfinal at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium.
Led by team manager Jim Gima, the Highlands Conference runners-up are expected to arrive in Port Moresby today ahead of tomorrow’s 3pm clash against the Southern champions.
While Hekari have the home advantage with spectators allowed to watch the play-off, he told The National that his side were confident about being competitive.
“We are looking forward to playing Hekari,” he said yesterday.
“We’ve played well and completed the regular season (as conference runners-up). It’s our first time to play in the Women’s National Soccer League.
“We’re inexperienced but prepared to give Hekari a good challenge.”
Meanwhile, Hekari will be without striker Marie Kaipu, who is preparing with the national team for the Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup.
Head coach Erickson Komeng told this paper that despite Kaipu’s absence, he remained confident in his squad.
“We will miss her, but I’m pretty sure we can cope well in our finals campaign,” the midfield legend said. We prepared well for the finals. Mt Hagen are a good which is why they are in the finals, so we will be wary of them. Midfielders Rumona Morris, Sonia Embahe, Georgina Bakani and Shalom Waida will be playing, so I still have depth in my squad.” Komeng will also count on Southern Conference golden boot winner Callista Maneo. Meanwhile, National Capital District will face New Guinea Islands (NGI) Conference champions Kiara at the Hutjena Oval tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
Fixtures: Sat, May 28 – Hekari United v Mt Hagen (Port Moresby), Bara v Hamatana (Lae), Mommers v Poro (Mt Hagen), Kiara v NCD (Bougainville).