Hekari Souths United FC are ready for the challenges of the O-League according to club owner John Kapi Natto.
The PNGFA Vice President and NSL Board chairman was speaking after Hekari returned from a successful trip to Brisbane where they played an International friendly match against the Sunshine Coast FC, the Queensland State League champions.
Natto said the teams preparation so far has been very good. In terms of morning and afternoon training, the boys are continuing to give 100 per cent into the physical and tactical training.
"After beating Solomon Islands Under-23 (Solympics) 4 -2, Marist FC 4-1 and then beating the Sunshine Coast FC 3-1 last week, I can say our boys are ready for Solomon Islands and Fiji champion clubs," Natto said.
He said that injured defender Jacob Pekau has returned to camp and will go through the remaining training with the boys and also undergo final medical check ups if he is injury free.
Pekau will add height to booster the backline and will be assisted by Cyril Muta, Brian Tuhiana and Koriak Upaiga.
"We are still negotiating with a defender from the Rewa Football Club in Fiji and we hope that he will soon join us But that depends on whether clearances of release are given by the Fiji Football Association".
Hekari South’s entry into the O-League will be the first time a club from Papua New Guinea has entered the competition
Natto said the management are well focussed to see Hekari become successful in the 2008 O-League campaign.
"The preparation has been good and I urge all our supporters to come in numbers and support our Hekari Souths United FC (PNG) as they will be up against Fiji’s BA FC on December 13," he said.
Natto said this is exciting for PNG football now as the OFC’s premier competition, the O-League will now come to PNG soil for the first time and I am also very excited about it.
This will see the champions of each Pacific country battle it out to represent the Oceania region in the annual FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Japan.