PNG Hekari FC Reflects on OFC Pro League Campaign, Sets Sights on Stronger 2027 Season

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Monday’s post-season conference provided PNG Hekari FC the opportunity to reflect on their historic participation in the inaugural 2026 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League, with club officials reaffirming their commitment to rebuilding and returning stronger next season.

PNG Hekari FC entered the history books as Papua New Guinea’s representative in the first-ever OFC Professional League after securing one of only 24 licenses awarded across Oceania, earning a four-year participation license to compete in the elite competition.

While the campaign ended without a finals appearance, the club described the season as an important learning journey as they navigated the demands of professional football at the highest level in the region.

The club struggled through the opening rounds of the five-circuit competition but gradually improved throughout the campaign, finishing the season with two victories from twelve matches while showing noticeable improvement in the latter stages.

Speaking during Monday’s conference, PNG Hekari FC General Manager Wira Wama acknowledged the challenges faced by the team throughout the season.

“It’s been a tough and challenging season for us, but we have learned a lot, and we aim to be better next season,” Wama said.

“It’s a learning experience for the boys. They picked up in the last round, but it was already too late. We have learned a lot and look forward to next season.”

The season was made even more difficult following the departure of Brazilian coach Marcos Gusmao, combined with player suspensions and the inexperience of several squad members competing at professional level football for the first time.

With much of the roster consisting of players who had limited exposure at elite level, the OFC Pro League tested the squad’s fitness, tactical awareness, and ability to remain competitive against some of Oceania’s strongest clubs.

Despite the setbacks, the club leadership remained positive about the future.

PNG Hekari FC Director Vonnie Kapi Natto expressed confidence in the club’s long-term direction and praised the opportunity given to players to experience professional football.

“The OFC Pro League is not like the Premier Soccer League in PNG and some parts of the Pacific; the level of the competition is very competitive and tough,” Mrs. Natto said.

“It was unfortunate that we could not make it to the final, but I’m very excited that the players get to experience the pro league, and I have a strong belief that we will do well next season.”

The club also used the conference to acknowledge the organisations that made the campaign possible.

Wama thanked the club’s major sponsors — Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK), and Kutubu Security Services (KSS) — for standing behind the team throughout the season.

“They have been the backbone of our team, supporting us to compete in the inaugural OFC Pro League. We truly appreciate their support,” he said.

The General Manager also acknowledged the support provided by the PNG Football Association, club directors Vonnie and John Kapi Natto, the coaching staff and management team, as well as Admiralty FC, Lae City Dwellers, and United Highlands, who released players to strengthen Hekari’s squad for the competition.

Following the departure of Gusmao, assistant coach Jerry Allen stepped into the lead coaching role and guided the team through the remainder of the season.

Allen, who currently holds a B License coaching qualification, is expected to pursue his A License certification, meeting FIFA requirements for professional competitions moving forward.

Looking ahead to OFC Pro League Season 2, PNG Hekari FC confirmed plans to strengthen its squad during the off-season by recruiting marquee players both domestically and internationally, while also targeting the appointment of an A Licensed coach.

The club believes the lessons learned from the inaugural season will become the foundation for a stronger and more competitive campaign in 2027 as they continue building Papua New Guinea’s presence on the professional football stage.

The journey may not have ended the way PNG Hekari FC hoped, but Monday’s conference made one thing clear — the club is already focused on coming back stronger.