Internationals Henry Fa’arodo, Gideon Omokirio, Stanley Waita, Alick Maemae and Eddie Ngaitin have all joined the Papua New Guinea club champions for the second half of the 2010 O-League.
But Hekari will be without key Fijian import Pita Bolatoga who is unavailable through suspension.
Franchise owner John Kapi-Natto says the new recruits will help to cover for the missing Bolatoga.
“Our coaches, both Jerry Allen and Tommy Mana, have been working hard with the squad,” said Kapi-Natto. “They’ve put the players through their paces and have come up with a workable match plan that can secure the much needed victory for Hekari and Papua New Guinea.”
“For me personally, I believe this is our year.”
Kapi-Natto says Fa’arado, in particular, is a key signing for the club. The Solomon Island midfielder is one of the region’s most skillful players and was instrumental in helping Koloale FC reach the final of the 2009 O-League.
“I’ve brought these players in for a mission and that is to give us a victory,” he said.
Hekari’s 3-0 victory over Lae rivals Morobe FC last week in the Telikom National Soccer League has tuned in the boys for this Saturday’s battle. Hekari featured prominently and it was the Fijian import Bolatoga who broke the hearts of the Morobean fans.
The win shrugged off any complacency that was creeping into the camp as Hekari were in mourning for a week following the passing of their club founder and mentor Sir Senior Kapi-Natto.
Son John believes that life must go on, and that Hekari must do the same.
He hopes the side will play with more freedom this weekend as they search for a much needed victory against Tafea.
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Story courtesy PNGFA Media