Reformulation needed for Hekari United to move forward

It has been one month since 2019-20 PNG National Soccer League finished. While most players are now focused on taking part of regional tournaments, National Soccer League’s franchises are still working for the next season.

Although there is no proposed date for next season’s kick-off, it seems obvious that the reigning champions Lae City FC must come even stronger – and this is a problem for their rivals, specially for Hekari United that finished third last season.

Finishing third in a national league seems to be something great for almost every team, but not for Hekari. The Reds are not used to being out of the top two in the league, and fans are disappointed with it. Furthermore, the team failed to advance to 2020 OFC Champions League’s knockout stage, although it was cancelled due to restrictions caused by COVID-19 pandemics.

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One of the team’s major problems is the advanced age of some stars, such as David Muta, Koriak Upaiga, Michael Foster and Raymond Gunemba. Despite being excellent players, they are already 33 years old or older, and team’s management must think about adding more youth in the squad, just like they did earlier this year by signing with Carlos Onne and Gregory Togubai.

Another important point concerns the position of head coach. Jerry Allen and Eric Komeng have not done a good job at the club this season and it may be a good time to go in search of a new head coach, whether in Papua New Guinea or abroad.

Hekari is a huge side in the continent and fans want to see the team back to the top, not only in the National Soccer League, but in OFC Champions League as well. Papua New Guinea’s football is bigger and better with the Reds performing in a high level.