Solomon Islanders to lead Hekari Souths into Port Moresby soccer grand final

By Henry Morabang

Star-studded Hekari Souths United go into the Port Moresby premier men’s soccer grand final tomorrow at Telikom Park as favourites over challengers Maclaren.

With six Solomon Islands reps and the cream of the PNG national team, there should be no excuses for Souths not to win back-to-back premierships.

Coach and Solomon Islander, Jerry Allan could not be reached for comment but team manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto said her boys were looking forward to the grand final tomorrow. She said training had been good and there were no major injuries to the players.

“We had a couple during the semi-final the previous weekend but nothing major to stop them taking on Maclaren,” she said.

Souths are likely to start Joachim Waroi and Kema Jack in the forwards, while Jack Samani and Abraham Iniga will man the wings.

In the midfield, Eric Komeng will partner either Andrew Lepani or little maestro David Muta to ensure the supply room is working for their strikers to score goals.

In the backline, Brian Tuhiana, Cyril Muta and Koriak Upaiga provide a formidable backline ready to go to war against any resistance from Maclaren.

Maclaren coach Lua Vagi would need a playmaker to assist midfielder Adrian Komu and Misty Andrew to create opportunities for their striker Gary Moka. As underdogs, Maclaren have a good record against Souths.

Both teams have beaten each other once during the season. In the preliminary finals, Souths stamped their supremacy by beating Maclaren to secure the first grand final berth.

It will be interesting to see if Maclaren can cause the upset of the year.

Source: The National