MAKURU IN POLE POSITION TO TAKE OUT DJ LEAGUE

HONIARA: Makuru are leading the DJ League Premier Division table and are the favorites to win the minor premiership title but will have to overcome a highly motivated Kossa side when the two teams meet on Thursday.

Makura, coached by Silas Milikada, has been a regular performer in the DJ League and is eyeing the coveted trophy and cash prize that is up for grabs.

Their match against Solomon Islands O-League representative KOSSA will be their toughest assignment so far with a lot on the line for both sides.

For Kossa, they need to win the match and the final league match against Naha on Tuesday the following week to keep their hopes of finishing among the top three teams alive and perhaps an opportunity to play in the Telekom National Clubs Championship in May.

It is a tricky affair and fans of both Makuru and KOSSA expect this match to be thrilling and entertaining.

Makuru’s talisman and Solomon Islands former international Batram Suri will lead his charges against Kossa. He will be joined by Leslie Kakai who will be looking to build on his stunning performances of late where he scored his first goal for the club.

KOSSA will rely on James Naka, Joe Luwi and Sammy Wa’ahero to produce the goods however, standing in their way will be tough Makuru defenders in Nelson Sale, John Iani, Leslie Leo and Derick Taebo.

KOSSA’s back four in Seni Ngava, Samson Takayama, Tome Faisi and team captain, Gideon Omokirio will form the barricade around their goal-mouth to repel Makuru’s dangermen finding their target.

It is a must-see match as KOSSA will use it for two purposes, to gain valuable competition points and also match preparation ahead of their away matches in Vanuatu and Fiji.

Kossa have been in impressive form lately and continued their winning form when they beat a stubborn Hana outfit at Lawson Tama on Saturday.

It took them until the second half to establish some control over the match which saw Hana dictating the flow and pace of the match through it’s experienced former Solomon Islands players Coleman Mani and Timothy Paoka.

 KOSSA played without their PNG International striker Reginald Davani who had gone home for a short break. They relied on Sammy Wa’ahero, James Naka, Joe Luwi and Paul Wale to break down a resolute Hana defence.

It was in the second half before KOSSA could establish themselves with Naka and Luwi on target.

Naka who sneaked behind the Hana defenders squeezed in the opening goal as Hana goalkeeper Mark Constantine watched his shot hit the back of the net.

Luwi nailed KOSSA’s second goal before Naka had the last laugh chipping in from point blank after some good leadup play for his second and team’s third goal.

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HONIARA – Rangers celebrated double victory on Saturday with both its men and women’s teams winning their respective matches.

At Lawson Tama, the Rangers Men’s team brushed aside strong challenges from Naha by beating them 4-2 in dramatic fashion.

Naha was unfortunate to have missed a couple of gilt-edge chances which if scored would have changed the scoreline.

Their speedy forward Lawrence Foanaota was a thorn to Rangers defence but his poor finishing had cost his team a chance to win.

Naha’s loss saw them at the bottom of the DJ League table tally

Meanwhile, the Rangers womens 6-1 drubbing of KOSSA FC at the SIFF Academy gave coach Matai Vave something to smile about on Saturday.

Three goals in the first half and three others in the second half was a good start for them in their campaign to maintain their supremacy in the Solbrew Womens competition.

Two matches were scheduled for Saturday but the other match between Toba Kings and Laugu did not take place because of death to a relative of one of Laugu’s players.

DJ LEAGUE – PREMIER DIVISION – PROGESSIVE TALLY