By CHARLIE DUMAVI
THE Hekari United FC men’s team management is in discussion with two Solomon Islands teams to play two international friendly matches before they travel to Vanuatu in May for the 2023 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) club championship.
This was revealed by HUFC team manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto after the official competition draw announcement by OFC competition manager, Chris Kamp.
Mrs. Natto is an excited manageress at the moment with both her men’s and women’s teams qualified to take part in the OFC club championship this year.
“We are traveling to Solom Islands next month for two friendly games against either Kosa or Solomon Warriors. It’s confirmed for Solomon Warriors. Many of my players from both teams came out from Hekari football academy,” said Mrs. Natto.
She also added that her teams are at work since winning the national play off against their local rival Lae City FC and will continue to use their young force to power them through the championship campaign.
“We are ready. We know we are going against the bests of other countries but we are looking forward to that. It took us five years to come back because in 2016 and 2017, we were building these players up.
The confidence they have now from the NSL coming through the grand final and the national play-off, I can see the drive and hunger. If the boys can make it simple football, then I believe we can upset a lot of big teams in this coming tournament,” said Mrs. Natto.
She said with the whole new team of young talent making the team, it is on their advantage that they are unknown to their opponents.
Hekari United is in Pool B amongst Ifira Black Bird As Pira and Tiger Sport.
