Papua New Guinea will kick-off its OFC Champions League campaign today with representative MRDC Hekari United FC taking on AS Lössi of New Caledonia.
The match will take place at QBE Stadium Auckland, New Zealand this afternoon.
The 2010 champions failed to progress to the semis last year after finishing second behind Team Wellington in their group.
Hekari is placed in Group B alongside Team Wellington (NZL), Suva FA (FIJ) and AS Lossi (NCL).
David Muta is one of the most experienced players in this side and a born leader.
The captain is a rock in the centre of the park, halting attacks while also proving a constant attacking threat himself.
Hekari coach Jerry Allen believes his side has what it takes to repeat the club’s heroics from 2010. The key is for his players to believe in themselves.
“We have to focus on ourselves, and concentrate on doing the best we can. We cannot afford to be complacent or take anything lightly, if we do the basics, we should be ok.”
“I must admit I don’t know much about them, I’ve never seen them, I don’t know their players, but I expect them to be a strong opponent. My hope is that they don’t us either,” Allan said via the Oceania Football Confederation website.
Squad list: 1. Leslie KALAI (GK), 2. Daniel JOE, 3. Otto KUSUNAN, 5. Remueru TEKIATE, 6. Pita BOLATOGA, 7. John ALICK, 8. Papalau AWELE, 9. Karo ILA, 10. Tutizama TANITO, 11. Elkington MOLIVAKARUA, 12. David MUTA, 13. Tommy SEMMY, 14. Emmanuel SIMON, 16. Jeremy YASASA, 17. Wira WAMA, 19. Koriak UPAIGA, 20. Ismael POLE (GK), 21. Barry MANSALE, 23. Joses NAWO, 24. Mathias IANI, 25. Felix KOMOLONG, 27. Gagame FENI