David Muta

Hekari players come out clear on their stand

In a press conference yesterday in Port Moresby, Muta put it simply that the exodus of the nine Hekari players was to show their grievances over the current administration of football in the country.

“I want to make it clear that we didn’t step down from the national team because our sponsors John and Vonnie Kapi Natto told us to.

“We stepped down because we the players see that something really big is not right in the PNG Football Association (PNGFA).

PNG, NZ to battle for spot in Confederations Cup

PNG once again will create history in football when meeting the four-time OFC champion New Zealand.

PNG captain David Muta said reaching the final was a special achievement and a dream come true for football in Papua New Guinea; it paved the way for other greater challenges for football in the country.

“I’m so excited. It was my first time leading the boys from PNG into the final and that means a lot. I think it’s going to be a really big challenge against New Zealand, but we have to stand strong and walk together as a team for the next game,” said Muta.

Muta flies flag with pride

"This competition means a lot to me," he says.

"We get to play against most of the best players in the Pacific. It's always a good challenge and I look forward to playing in this competition."

Since winning the competition in 2010 and representing Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup, the side has been undergoing a rebuilding period.

This year after winning their first two matches at QBE Stadium in Auckland, Hekari United looked on track to make the semi-finals for the first time in a long time.

Hekari make up bulk of national team

The PNG team boasts 12 players from Hekari, six from Lae City Dwellers, three each from Rapatona FC and FC Port Moresby and one from Welgris Morobe United FC.

Regulars David Muta and Koriak Upaiga from Hekari and Michael Foster, Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba from Dwellers will make a good team despite being rivals in the PNG National Soccer League.

The players have been called in for a three day camp in Port Moresby starting today.

The final preparation will be in Port Moresby a week before the event with the first match against New Caledonia on May 28.