Team manager Vonni Kapi Natto is optimistic Hekari United have what it takes to add to their growing trophy haul.
“Our team will have a good season but we will have to work harder to maintain our good record.
“I love that the NSL is kicking off this weekend without further delays and much can be achieved if we all work a little bit harder,” she said.
And Hekari United’s search for playing talent will not be restricted to Papua New Guinea. When the club won the 2010 OFC Champions League, they boasted a star-studded cast of pacific-based footballers from around Oceania.
Hekari United has retained the bulk of its players with a few new faces joining the squad.
Jamal Seeto and Jeremy Yasasa have signed from Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC, Emmanuel Simon ended his stint with Lae FC to join the Reds, with Tommy Sammy and Emmanuel Airem formerly of Besta United FC, making it five quality additions for Kapi Natto.
Simon looks set to play alongside Hekari United skipper David Muta in the centre of midfield, a combination that could strike fear and respect in opponents in the NSL and OFC Champions League.
Adding skill, verve and technique are Hekari United’s exciting Solomon Islands quartet of Joachim Waroi, Nicholas Muri, Tutizama Tanito and the enigmatic maverick-midfielder Alick Maemae.
“The club trains hard, up to three hours for five days a week,” Kapi Natto said, “We believe that our success over the past nine seasons is built on hard work, commitment to training, faith and discipline, both on and off the field.”
While Hekari United are once again looking red hot favourites to seal 9-in-a-row domestically and shake up the OFC Champions League with their new look team, they will be without two former fan favourites.
Attacking duo Nigel Dabinyaba and Raymond Gunemba exited Hekari United to join NSL rivals Lae City Dwellers.