By GABRIEL KATUHO
HEKARI Women’s coach Erickson Komeng and team captain Marie Kaipu gave their insight about the team’s performance during the Oceania Football Championships (OFC) finals.
In an interview with this newspaper after their arrival, Komeng said preparation is one thing that has helped them get to the final.
He said they have started early which is one of the advantages of consistency throughout the tournament.
With experiences gained from last year’s OFC in Papua New Guinea, the Port Moresby Hekari women were able to sail through.
“Last year, New Zealand didn’t field a team except for this year and so, we have to prepare well for it.
“Even thought we did not have some of the Key players like Padio, Gloria and Faith, the girls managed to go through the tournament without any injuries,” Komeng said.
He said maybe this year was not their time.
Speaking from experience, Komeng said it took the boys ten years to win the OFC in 2010 when he was playing at that time.
He said there is always time for everything.
“We can win next year or the following year, maybe God’s will, there is a time for that,” he said.
Hekari United were able to make it to the final without three of their players due to injury and personal issues, Captain Marie Kaipu displayed an exceptional performance as an experienced and senior player that guided the players through.
“Without the four senior players but, when I turned around, I saw Phylis Pala, Mavis Singara, Marie Kaipu, Michelin Kutubu and some players that needed to stand up.
“I cannot look anywhere, I have to look within the group,” Komeng said.
Having guiding the girls through the mantle toughness to keep them going in the 90 minute game was one thing that coach Komeng was able to train the girls to be equipped with it to avoid being defeated psychologically.
Hekari Captain Marie Kaipu shared the similar sentiments, acknowledging participation of the girls in training and being submissive under her leadership.
She said they are still working on fixing the communication in some of the areas in the field to see improvement.
Kaipu thanked the fans who have supported them during their journey right to the grand finale.
She said if only those players who missed out on the trip were in the team, then they would have defeated the New Zealand side.
