By CHARLIE DUMAVI
HEKARI United FC bows out of the 2023 OFC club championship on Sunday 21st May 2023 after going down to As Pirae of Tahiti 2-1 in Fresh Water stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Hekari United Coach Erickson Komeng who was little disappointed with the game officials for unnecessary stoppage of game appreciated his boys for their effort.
“Despite the loss, I am excited. We got a bunch of good players and I know we are going to come back better. It’s just poor referring today,” Komeng said.
Hekari United opened their campaign with a win against the host Vanuatu Ifira Black Bird 2-0, however, they later suffered a surprising defeat of 1-0 to Tiga sport.
HUFC could settled on the third place on the group stage ladder, meaning they don’t have any chance to compete and are already changing their focus to return to PNG’s newly introduce Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Coach Komeng said taking part in the OFC tournament is a stepping stone for them to return stronger for the PSL this season.
While speaking to OFC media interview, Komeng said they played some quality side and are set for NPL.
“The boys got good experience playing quality games against some quality clubs in the Pacific, so, hopefully we’ll go back and give our best in our local competition,” Komeng said.
Meanwhile, HUFC coaching side will also shift their attention to prepare their women’s club to participate in the 2023 inaugural women’s OCF club championship set to be competed in Port Moresby.
The competition will kick off from June 1-10, 2023 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium with only five teams confirmed to take part after New Zealand’s withdrawal.