Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
As the days tick down to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2024 in Tahiti, we take a look at the eight clubs vying to become the kings of Oceania. Papua New Guinea representatives and 2010 winners Hekari United are up next.
Hekari United are a powerhouse football club in Papua New Guinea. In 2010, they won the OFC Men’s Champions League, defeating New Zealand’s Waitakere United in the two-legged final, becoming the first non-New Zealand or Australian side to win the title.
Their women’s team have represented the nation at the first two editions of the OFC Women’s Champions League, including making the final this year. The men’s side competed at last year’s showpiece tournament in Vanuatu and have again qualified to represent the country this year in Tahiti.
Of all the qualifiers through the National Playoffs, the Port Moresby-based side were the most impressive. They defeated Port Moresby Strikers FC 2-0 away in the first leg before asserting their dominance with a 3-0 second leg victory to qualify 5-0 on aggregate.
Last year’s Head Coach Eric Komeng has stepped aside to focus on the Hekari United Women’s team but will still be an assistant to new Head Coach David Muta in Papeete.
The perennial domestic champions disappointed in Vanuatu 12 months ago when, despite big expectations, they failed to advance past the group stage. On paper it shapes as a difficult task this year, pitted against three strong sides in Solomon Warriors FC from the Solomon Islands, Fiji’s Rewa FC and defending champions Auckland City FC.
Muta believes his side will deliver an improved performance from last year when the action kicks off in Tahiti.
“We hope for a better performance and we always train hard and I believe every session makes the boys stronger. We have some new players who have strengthened the side,” Musa said.
“We can achieve a positive result if we focus and work hard for the tournament.”
Players to Watch
The likes of Kolu Kepo, Ati Kepo, Yagi Yasasa, Karo Kila, and Godfrey Haro will all be in focus for Hekari United in Tahiti, as they look to improve on last year’s performance and secure a second OFC Men’s Champions League title.