Twice runners-up, Hekari Women FC travel to Honiara believing this could finally be their year to lift a first OFC Women’s Champions League title.

Ericsson Komeng’s side have finished runners-up to Auckland United FC in each of the past two editions, edged 1-0 in both finals, in Honiara in 2024 and in Papeete, Tahiti, last year.

Both deciders were fiercely contested, and Komeng says the lessons from those narrow defeats have only strengthened his squad’s belief.

“Preparation has been good, and if we meet Auckland United again it would be the fourth time we’ve played them, including a 2-1 loss in the group stage. We’ve learned a lot from those matches, so we hope this time we can get one over them,” Komeng said.

The two sides sit in different groups, and before Hekari Women FC can dream of the title they must first negotiate a demanding Group A featuring Vanuatu champions Tafea FC, Fiji champions Ba Women FC and home hopes Henderson Eels FC. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals.

 

Photo Credit (OFC Media via Phototek)

“We can’t get ahead of ourselves because first we must get through the group. But if we want to win the tournament, we must be clinical in both attack and defence. Having a talented squad is important, and the experience many of these players gained during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers in New Zealand could help them go one better,” Komeng added.

Komeng was referring to the PNG Bilums’ performance against the Football Ferns, when they pushed New Zealand hard before falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat in a match that secured the Ferns’ place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. 15 Hekari Women FC players were part of the national squad.

One player Komeng believes could prove pivotal is midfielder Mavis Singara. With her tireless work rate, fitness and influence in the middle of the park, she could be central to Hekari’s push for a breakthrough title.

 

 

Photo Credit (OFC Media via Phototek)

Hekari Women FC kick off their campaign against Tafea FC on Sunday June 28th.

Hekari Women FC Squad