Hekari United debuts at home against New Zealand champions Eastern Suburbs

After missing the 2019 OFC Champions League, Hekari United is back to the tournament and they will have the crowd’s support against Eastern Suburbs from New Zealand.

While Hekari has a long history in the competition – including a title in 2010, the Suburbs are going to play the Champions League for the first time ever. However it does not mean anything inside the pitch as both teams have strong squads and they are all ready for this huge clash.

The Papua New Guinean side will count on a very experienced squad with some important players like David Muta, Michael Foster and Koriak Upaiga that were part of Hekari’s squad that won 2009/10 OFC Champions League. These three players are essential for the team as they are leaders inside ant outside the pitch.

They also have some good foreigners in the squad including Erick Joe and Vinicius that came from Brazil while Vito Laloata came from Samoa to strengthen the team. Junior David is the fourth and last foreigner in Hekari’s squad.

Erick Joe will probably play an important role this match as he must be in charge of stopping Suburbs’ powerful striker Martin Bueno while Hekari’s attack will have to deal with one of the best defenses from 2019/20 ISPS Handa Premiership.

Eastern Suburbs had a difficult beginning in 2019/20 ISPS Handa Premiership as they lost many players from the previous season but they are now living a good moment as they won three of their four last encounters in the top-tier of New Zealander football.

Midfielder Adam Thurston came from England this year and he is shining at Suburbs. He scored three goals and delievered two assists in four matches and he is already a key player for the Lilywhites. Martin Bueno is a very good striker and he is ready to show his quality internationally, after impressing a lot at ISPS Handa Premiership this season so far.

Michael Built and Kelvin Kalua are also having a good moment in the ISPS Handa Premiership and both players could have an important role as flankers. Reid Drake, a talented midfielder that previously played for giants Auckland City, can give the creativity touch necessary to feed the forwards upfront.

People can expect a very good match between two great teams; strategy and organization will be crucial to set the winner and the loser.