PNG Hekari pivots to ‘Allen era’ as quest for Professional League redemption begins

The resignation of Brazilian coach Marcos Gusmao is water under the bridge as PNG Hekari FC looks ahead to its remaining games in the OFC Professional League.

Solomon Islander Jerry Allen, who took over the reigns this week responded briefly in a post match press conference when asked on whether the resignation of former coach Gusmao affected the team in anyway.

Allen described the scenario as unfortunate, considering the OFC Pro League still in its infancy stages and PNG Hekari FC searching for their first win.

"This happened during the competition and this is unfortunate, but to me this doesn't affect the team," he said, when responding to questions by NBC News.

"It's football and we just need to go forward. For me and the players, we are okay and we are looking forward with our game. Something happened we just forget it and we just go forward and we keep learning."

Allen said his appointment to the top job is a return to a culture he understands.

"For me to take this leadership, I am very privilege and I am proud to be here with these boys and I am ready to take this," he said.

The new coach said Hekari is in a constant state of learning, suggesting that while the Brazilian influence has departed, the tactical evolution of the squad continues.

His quest begins in earnest this Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium as Hekari face a high-stakes Round Two fixture against South Island United.

The match is widely considered a 'must-win' if the club hopes to remain mathematically relevant in the inaugural OFC Professional League season.

With the home crowd behind Hekari, the pressure is on Allen to convert his forward-thinking mindset into three points on the table.

Hekari are currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder with 3 losses and 1 draw.