Hekari Set for Historic OFC Pro League Debut

www.pnghekarifc.com

PNG Hekari FC are ready for the inaugural season of the OFC Professional League, which will be staged in Auckland, New Zealand. The Red Army will open their campaign against their Melanesian brothers, Solomon Kings, on Sunday, 18 January 2025. They will then face Tahiti United before taking on South Melbourne.

Hekari FC General Manager Wira Wama is confident the team is well prepared for the challenging opening fixtures.

“Our OFC Pro League campaign officially kicks off on Sunday when we take on the Solomon Kings. I have full confidence and trust in the players and the coaching staff. We have an experienced technical team that is ready to deliver for the club and for the country,” Wama said.

After twelve weeks of tireless effort, commitment and dedication in training, the Red Army are ready to face any opponent in the competition.

Head Coach Marcos Gusmão of Brazil said the team’s preparation has been thorough and encouraging.

“We have been preparing for almost three months. The training has been good so far, and the boys have blended well and understand each other’s combinations. They are ready to compete at Pro League level,” Gusmão said.

Similar sentiments were shared by Technical Coach Jerry Sam and Assistant Coach Jerry Allan, brothers from the Solomon Islands. Their knowledge and experience will be valuable in supporting the Brazilian head coach, Marcos Gusmão, especially in the opening match against a Solomon Islands-based club.

“We are confident in the team. The preparation has been really good, and we know we will be playing a Solomon Islands side in our opening game. There are a few players we already have under our radar and will be keeping a close eye on,” they said.

Team captain Dave Tomare expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the side, describing it as a great honour.

“I am humbled and honoured to be appointed captain and to lead the boys in our first-ever OFC Pro League campaign. I thank the coaching staff and management for their trust and for giving me this opportunity,” Tomare said.

“I also thank the players for their trust, support and teamwork. We have been waiting for this moment, and it finally arrives on Sunday against the Solomon Kings.”

General Manager Wama also acknowledged the club’s major sponsors, Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) and KutubuSecurityServices (KSS), for their continued support.

“I would like to sincerely thank MRDC and PRK for their trust, confidence and ongoing support. They have always been there for the club and have played a vital role in the growth and development of Hekari PNG over the past 22 years. They also support other sporting codes and community initiatives, contributing greatly to national development, and we are truly grateful,” he said.

He further acknowledged the leadership of club founders Mr. John Kapi Nato and Mrs. Vonnie Kapi Nato.

“As a former player and now General Manager, I am deeply thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Kapi Nato for their vision, leadership and guidance in bringing the club to this level,” Wama said.

“Competing in the OFC Pro League is a milestone achievement for the club and for Papua New Guinea. It is a prestigious opportunity for our local players to experience football at a higher level and on a bigger stage, which will greatly enhance their individual development,” he concluded.