PNG is counting down days with less than a week remaining to host the inaugural OFC Women Champions League in Port Moresby.
Four champion teams from other pacific island countries are expected to arrive this weekend for the tournament to kick off on June 1-10, 2023.
The four visiting teams include; Labasa FC, (Fiji), AS Academy Feminine (New Caledonia), Kiwi FC (Samoa) and Koloale FC (Solomon Island).
All eyes are on the PNG women’s champion team, the National Capital District based Hekari United FC who will play host with advantage to compete for the title.
It is unfortunate one of the competitive football in the region as the New Zealand representative, Eastern Suburb AFC pulled out of the tournament.
This increases chances for the local girls to run through the tournament with ease.
NCD Hekari United FC Coach Eric Komeng said his side is looking forward for the tournament in the coming week.
Mr Komeng is banking on its national players in the likes of skipper Marie Kaipu, Ramona Padio, Lavinia Hola, Sonia Embahe and Philis Pala to see them through the group stages of the competition.
Coach Komeng who led the club’s men team to the OFC Champion League in Vanuatu said this is the first edition of the OFC Women’s Champion League which is good for women’s football in the region.
Komeng tip Labasa, Koloale and AS Academy Feminine to provide the good challenge to his team, and not forgetting Kiwi FC who should not be counted out.
“It’s great for the game, first time in Oceania and will be a good competition for the women. It would be great to see some talent come through in the women’s game,” Komeng said.
Hekari coach said “it will be good to play four other clubs from around the region and my girls have been preparing since we qualified”.
“It’s good we have been chosen to host it. Hopefully we will get a lot of supporters because it’s the first time we will host a women’s OFC competition.
“It’s a stepping-stone for international football for the players. It’s a good concept to start a women’s Champions League and the players are looking forward to it.”
The host will play their New Caledonia champions on the opening game on June 1st, 2023.
Hekari United fixtures: (PNG time)
Thursday June 1 v AS Academy Féminine, 5pm
Saturday June 3 v Kiwi FC, 5pm
Thursday June 8 v Koloale FC, 5pm
Saturday June 10 v Labasa Women FC, 5pm
