Solomon duo rally support as Hekari arrive hungry to climb OFC pro league table
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The arrival of PNG’s Hekari FC in Honiara on Tuesday has sparked local interest, with Solomon Islands representatives John Orobulu and interim head coach Jerry Allen calling on supporters to rally behind the side as they prepare for the OFC Pro League Round 4 matches this weekend.
Hekari FC became the first team to arrive for the Honiara circuit, touching down at Henderson International Airport on Tuesday afternoon ahead of what the team believes will be a crucial round in their campaign.
Solomon Islands international striker John Orobulu, who is currently signed with the Papua New Guinea club, urges local fans and families to come out and support the team when they take on their game at the field.
“For our supporters here in Solomon Islands, our families and everyone I’d like you to come and support us… coming now home… on this game”, Orobulu said during an all media-stand-in interview coordinated by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
The forward also hinted that he is determined to make an impact on familiar ground after scoring once earlier in the competition.
“On my home ground, yes I will score”, Orobulu confidently added when asked if he hopes to increase his goal tally during the Honiara leg.
Meanwhile, interim head coach Jerry Allen said the upcoming round is critical for the Papua New Guinea champions as they attempt to climb from the bottom of the competition standings.
“This round will be very important not only to us but the whole team. It will be strong, it will be hard, it will be tough, but we will still push”, Allen said.
Allen, who is also a Solomon Islands national, said the team expects strong backing from local supporters, especially with several Solomon Islanders involved in the squad.
“We expected our people will come out to support us… on Saturday we will be playing first, and after will be Kings so hopefully people will come out in numbers to support our boys”, he said.
He also encourages both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea fans living in Honiara to attend the matches.
“Please, come out in numbers, support us here at the stadium. I know fans here are very passionate, and we know that PNG fans are here as well so just come and support us”.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, Allen said the situation has only strengthened the team’s determination to bounce back.
“Right now, we are at the bottom but that really motivates us. In this round we want to make sure we win and get points and move up”, he said.
Hekari FC will however, miss key player Ati Kepo for the opening match, but Allen believes the absence will give other players the chance to step up.
“If he is missed, we will miss him because he is one of our key players. But when we missed him previously it gave an opportunity to the boys to step up and wear his shoes as well”, he explained.
The OFC Pro League Round 4 matches will be played in Honiara this weekend, with teams battling for crucial points before the competition heads to New Zealand for the final play-off stage.
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