Natto, who is also the Senior Vice President of the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) and Chairman for their National Soccer League was in Fiji with coach Tommy Mana, Hekari manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto, players Kema Jack, Stanley Waita and Fiji’s own Tuimasi Manuca and Pita Bolaitoga.
The Hekari delegation also travelled to the Solomon Islands last week, with Natto saying it was a good chance to pay tribute to the key Solomon Islands players who helped to lift the trophy. The prestigious O-League silverware was on display for eager fans to get close-up and take photos.
Meanwhile in Fiji at the weekend, Natto met with Fiji Football Association Chief Executive Officer Bob Kumar and Southern Vice President Anil Sharma.
Natto says the trip was a way of saying thank you to Fiji FA and to the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) for releasing players to be involved in the O-League.
“It’s wonderful and exciting trip,” said Natto.
“I would like to thank Fiji FA for the international transfers. Without them we would not have had Fijian players come to PNG. We have learned a lot from Fiji as experienced players have lifted our standards. Hopefully soon we will see Papua New Guinea players playing in Fiji,” Natto said.
The Hekari owner also noted the influence of the Solomon Islands players within their ranks and dedicated the O-League victory to all the Island nations.
“Winning the O-League was incredible. I believe Papua New Guinea could not have done it on our own , it was a collective effort from the Pacific Islands. Solomon Islands and Fiji combined together with us and through strength of the Island players we managed to win this title,” Natto said.
“It is not only an exciting feeling for Papua New Guinea but all our Island brothers.”
CEO Bob Kumar then paid his respects to the Hekari delegation and said he looks forward to working together closely in the future.
“I would like to congratulate on behalf of our President Dr. Muhammed Shams-Ud-Dean Sahu Khan and members of Fiji FA to Hekari and Papua New Guinea. We have had a very close relationship,” said Kumar.
“We believe in developing football and we are proud that one Island nation has qualified. We will have to work together and strengthen our ties to make sure that not only this year but in many years to come we have this Island connection,” Kumar said.
As 2010 O-League champions, Hekari will now work hard to prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup in UAE this December.