Let’s talk about Kolu Kepo?

Hekari United’s win over Bougainville in the last weekend – the first matchweek after the forced break due COVID-19 – saw a different Red Army side struggling to get opportunities upfront. With the absence of Ishmael Pole, back-up goalkeeper Dave Tomare needed to make a serie of interventions to prevent the now Percy Mataio-coached side Bougainville of grabbing an upset at PNG Football Stadium.

Key players such as Koriak Upaiga were also absent from the clash; the duo Nigel Dabinyaba and Raymond Gunemba were expected to debut for Hekari, but they had issues regarding their transfer to the team and they are still waiting for a greenlight from PNGFA and NSL Board to feature for the team momentarily coached by Eric Komeng.

Hekari allowed much space in the back; Bougainville was ready to harm them in the counter-attack, but luckily for Hekari, the team led by Basil Jofari was unable to find the net. Hekari needed a win to continue in the fight for the top of the table as Lae City had already won their match against Gulf Komara. In the dying moments of the game, a player stepped up to take responsibility and give Hekari all points from the clash: Kolu Kepo.

Kepo scored both goals of Hekari in the clash – that you can watch here – to secure valuable three points for the Reds. Kepo has been a very important player for Hekari throughout the years; the player who already represented Papua New Guinea national team six times can be seen as an underrated player in his country.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder scored a magnificent goal against Eastern Suburbs in the OFC Champions League this year and has already notched six goals in the PNG National Soccer League in the current season – the top scorer of Hekari United in the league so far. Alongside his twin brother Ati Kepo, Kolu has been one of the most efficient players of the Reds in the past two seasons, but it is really rare to see him being praised.

Now with the introduction of Gunemba and Dabinyaba in Hekari United squad, both Kepo brothers might see their space in the starting eleven in danger, possibly reducing their football minutes throughout the remaining matches of the season. Despite the quality of the new signings, Kolu deserves the appreciation of his efforts and Hekari United fans should be pleased with his contribution.

Kolu Kepo is not only a goalscorer, but he is also effective with his playmaking, creating plenty of goalscoring chances, and especially with his off-ball movement allowing gaps for his teammates to fill in, penetrating in the opposition’s defensive line. Kepo’s pace is also remarkable, a complete attacking midfielder in the modern era of Oceania football, rotation to side-to-side to create space; he is a team player that also has individual skills to be exalted.