Hekari enter uncharted territory as OFC Professional League kicks off

Star striker Ati Kepo on pitch as his teammates look on during a training session at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby (NBC News)

Papua New Guinea champions Hekari United FC are stepping into uncharted territory as they prepare to compete in the inaugural OFC Professional League, which kicks off on January 17 in Auckland, New Zealand.

For the first time, the country’s most successful club will test itself in a fully professional regional competition.

Hekari General Manager Wira Wama said the team has been in intensive preparations since October under Brazilian head coach Marcos Gusmão, with the squad set to depart for New Zealand on Wednesday, January 14.

“We’ve been in training since October and the team is looking sharp,” Wama said.

Hekari will field a 23-man fully contracted squad, supported by an additional 30 amateur players in camp, as required under OFC Professional League injury and compliance regulations.

The squad blends youth, experience and international talent, including veteran PNG marquee forward Raymond Gunemba, Vanuatu international John Alick, Solomon Islands defender John Orobulu, newly signed Fijian Lekima Gonerau, and three Brazilian imports.

“We have young upcoming players and established marquee players, along with quality imports. Overall, we believe we have a strong and balanced squad,” Wama said.

Hekari players are poised to compete for the first time in a professional competition (NBC News)

Despite Hekari’s domestic dominance, the move into professional football presents a steep learning curve. All 23 contracted players are experiencing professional football for the first time.

“The biggest challenge has been the transition from amateur to professional football,” Wama said. “The mindset has to change both on the training ground and off the pitch.”

He said while compliance with OFC professional standards initially posed challenges, the players have adapted well.

“This league is new not just for Hekari, but for all clubs that have turned professional. With strong support behind the scenes, the team has adjusted and we are now ready for round one.”

Hekari’s round one fixtures in Auckland will see them face Solomon Kings on Sunday, January 18, Tahiti United on Wednesday, January 21, and South Melbourne FC on Friday, January 23.

Round two of the competition will be hosted in Port Moresby at the Santos National Football Stadium, giving local fans a historic opportunity to witness professional club football on home soil.

PNG Hekari FC – 23-man Squad: Dave Tomare, Christinus Biasu, Nabo Pongi, Godfrey Haro, Lekima Gonerau, Erick Joe Ribeiro, Naime Regy, Kasum Gabriel, Nelson Karaun, Shane Sakael, Nigel Yaka, Joseph Joe, Judah Asar, Rafael Chaves, John Alick, Ritzoki Tamgol, Rex Naime, Kaue Silva, John Orobulu, Logan Biwa, Raymond Gunemba, Ati Kepo, Nathaniel Eddie.