By CHARLIE DUMAVI
AS Hekari United FC prepares for the O-League, there are also questions looming as to whether the club’s skipper and PNG national inform defender, Daniel Joe is going to make this his last international tournament before hanging his boots.
Having the experience of 18 international caps, Mr. Joe has represented PNG with pride and dedication.
He also gives the same energy to his local Hekari united FC.
In an interview with Sunday Bulletin, Joe brushed aside questions about his retirement saying “I see that I can still play. I will still stay (play)”.
Hail from Gulf and Boana in Morobe province, Joe said he can feel that he got several more years to play football both to represent his local club and for national duties before he hangs his boots.
Joe started his career in the national soccer league with Hekari United FC after the club returned from 2010-2011 club world Cup.
He was scouted out from Pilag FC in Port Moresby. The 32 years old utility and specialised right defender is a dedicated and disciplined player both on and off the field.
Joe is one of the few experience players who will be leading his local Club in the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (O-league) club championships.
The right backs said the boys under his leadership are looking forward to play the champions league.
“Our preparations towards the play off and our training with new boys are fitting. I tell my boys to play simple football and try to stay discipline with high concentration on the field,” Joe said.
“Every club in the Oceania that qualify wants to be win the O-League so I expect the OFC tournament to be tough. As for us, we have a goal to achieve.
“The goal is to win the OFC league. We will enter the tournament with one mind to compete and win,” Joe said.
Meanwhile, efforts by Hekari United FC management to obtain service of several international players to for the O-League have failed.
This will see all the local players putting out their effort to defend their club’s name as well as represent the country as a champion team from PNG.
The winner of the 2023 OFC (O-league) will take part in the world cup.
