By GABRIEL KATUHO
Hekari United team departs today for Auckland, New Zealand, where they will participate in the inaugural OFC Pro-League tournament.
The first circuit games to be played this weekend (January 17-24) at Eden Park.
Hekari United head coach Marcos Gusmao and his assistant Jerry Allan have assembled a team comprising of both local and international players who completed three months of intense training for the tournament. Adding to the firepower is the inclusion of three Brazilian players – Erick Joe, Rafael Chaves and Kaue Sila – together with Solomon Island’s striker John Orobulu and Vanuatu’s John Alick.
Assistant coach Allan confirmed that veteran PNG playmaker, Raymond Gunemba, will not depart with the team today as he awaits his New Zealand visa. As soon as the visa is approved, Gunemba will join the rest of the team in Auckland.
Meanwhile, Gusmao expressed confidence in his team and highlighted the progress made during the three months of the training.
“It’s not easy, but when it comes to the end of this preparation, the team is ready to play. We know we have a strong opponent ahead but the team is confident and we have a good team spirit to come to this OFC pro league and play against the opponent teams,” he stated.
Gusmao said that the matches would be competitive with all teams having the capacity to compete at this highest level.
With three matches to be played in one week starting with the first match against Solomon Islands Kings, Gusmao said Hekari would need sufficient recovery time for the other two games.
Hekari goalkeeper Dave Tomare will captain the team and Gusmao has urged him to take lead on the field and communicate with his players throughout their games.
Allan also expressed his gratitude to the team, saying, “We can’t wait to see the boys play on Sunday.
“Like every other teams in the Pacific who are looking forward for the game. We have been preparing for the last three months so we are ready for the match on Sunday. Most of the players have been playing in the OFC leagues so it is going to be very tough. Everyone wants to win, so with respect, we shall see them on Sunday,” he stated.
Tomare thanked the coaching staff, sponsors and the managements of the club for appointing him to captain the team.
He explained that it was not an easy task to lead but he always tells his teammates to work collaboratively so that they execute the assignment accordingly.
Hekari United General Manager Wira Wama extended his gratitude to the sponsors, MRDC and PRK, for the ongoing support and assistance that have enabled the team to succeed with commitment and discipline.
He thanked the coaching staff for their preparations and the players who had shown resilience and great determination to represent Hekari United FC and Papua New Guinea in the inaugural OFC Pro-League.
Hekari’s Match schedule for OFC Round 1 (January 17-24) Auckland, New Zealand.
Game One: Stadium (Eden Park)
Date: Sunday 18th of January
Time: 17:00
Match: PNG Hekari United FC vs Solomon Kings
Game Two: Stadium (North Harbor Stadium)
Date: Wednesday 21st of January
Time: 15:00
Match: PNG Hekari United FC vs Tahiti United
Game three: Stadium (North Harbor Stadium)
Date: Saturday 24th of January
Time: 18:30
Match: PNG Hekari United FC vs South Melbourne FC