PORT MORESBY – PNGFA National Soccer League chairman and Hekari Souths franchise owner John Kapi Natto has issued a warning to the club’s 2009 O-League Group B rivals with news of a potential preparation programme to be staged in Malaysia alongside an aggressive player recruitment drive.
“Team management is working around the clock to have all the Hekari players in top form before the opening match against Koloale FC on November 22 at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The club has performed well to win the NSL twice, now we must transform that on the regional stage,” Natto told local media.
The second match will be played in Port Moresby on December 13, where Hekari will host the highly experienced 2007 O-League runners-up, Ba.
In preparation for the 2009 O-League, Kapi Natto said he was still shopping for an international fullback to replace Jacob Pekau, who was injured.
“We might pick up a player from Vanuatu or Fiji if nobody local can fit the bill.”
“We have defenders here who have served the club with distinction, but we need experience.
Defenders like Koriak Upaiga, Cyril Muta, Charles Paranda, Hamson Daniel and Brian Tuhiana played well against Solomon Islands earlier this year and have not let the team down,” he said.
Kapi Natto is right to be concerned about defensive frailties with Papua New Guinea’s club sides traditionally weak on the international stage at the back.
Papua New Guinea’s U-23 Olympic team also played some highly attractive attacking football but sacrificed any semblance of discipline in key matches.
Kapi Natto said in the midfield, the return of David Muta would help strengthen the side.
“Muta will be ably assisted by skipper Eric Komeng, Andrew Lepani, Benjamin Mela and Jack Samani,” he said.
In the frontline, Kema Jack will join Solomon Islands duo Abraham Iniga and Joachim Waroi who have already formed a good combination up front.
In October, Hekari will play Sunshine Coast but if everything goes according to plans, the club may travel to Malaysia for a three-match friendly against a Malaysian side before their opening 2009 O-League match in November.
Story courtesy PNGFA Media Officer Thomas Kambi