Hekari prepares for Pro-League
In about two months, the inaugural Oceania Football Confederation [OFC] Professional League will kick off with eight teams, including Hekari PNG FC.
From humble beginnings at Bisini in 2002 as Souths United and rebranding in 2006 to Hekari United FC in 2006, the club has come a long way with premierships in the National Soccer League, triumphs in the OFC Champions League, appearances in the Club World Cup and now representation in the first ever OFC Professional League.
The household football club in PNG has already begun preparations with the announcement of head coach Marcos Gusmao, assistant coach Jerry Allan, technical official Jerry Sam, director Vonnie Kapi Natto, and general manager Wira Wama.
The club also announced a few marquee signings this week with veteran Raymond Gunemba to taste professional football before he hangs up his boots.
Six overseas players have also been added to the mix, says general manager Wira Wama.
"The pro league competition regulations allow us to have six international players, three non-Oceania and three Oceania," Wama said.
"We just brought in three non-Oceania players from Brazil; one is Erick Joe who has been playing for us. The three Oceania players will join us later, one from Fiji, one from Solomon Islands and one from Vanuatu."
It is understood that the finalized squad for Hekari for the Pro League will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
Hekari's success in bid
When the expression of interest for bids was issued, Hekari along with Lae City, Bougainville FC and Port Moresby FC put their hands up by submitting their bids.
Following months of screening, Hekari was given the thumbs up by the Independent Club Licensing Committee with eight other clubs from Oceania: Fiji Bula Boys, Solomon Kings, Vanuatu FC, Tahiti FC, Christchurch United, Auckland City and South Melbourne FC.
General Manager Wira Wama explained that when the screening process took place, significant attention was focused on financial capacity, academy pathways and qualifications of staff.
"The most important criteria was sponsorship, they wanted to screen the companies that were backing the clubs, and we really appreciate MRDC and PRK. Their support goes back 22 years when we were still an amateur team," Wama said.
"The other criteria was our academy; they were pleased that we already had an academy which we started in 2007."
"The other thing that impressed them was administrative and technical people and their qualifications."
"We presented our four years financial budget and our technical plan.We also signed a lease agreement with the PNG Football Association for PNG Football Stadium."
Challenges and opportunities
The transformation of Hekari from a semi-professional to professional club also poses new challenges as the club sails through uncharted waters and the management and coaching staff are already preparing to counter incoming challenges.
With many PNG-based players unfamiliar with the lifestyle of a professional footballer, the onus is on each and every one of them to change for the better.
"It's a big step for us being an amateur club and moving to a professional league, most of our PNG players will have to change their mindset and attitude and we are helping them adjust to the new routine they will encounter," Wama explained.
Hekari's inclusion into the OFC Professional League also brings forward new opportunities allowing local football talents from PNG to be exposed to well established professional clubs around the world.
"The OFC Professional League will expose our local talent to the world, big clubs like Manchester United will be looking at players in the OFC Professional League now, and this is massive for our local players." Wama added.
The OFC Professional League will be launched on the 29th of this month in Auckland.