PNG giants back in Honiara chasing breakthrough OFC Women’s Champions League crown
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Papua New Guinea women’s football powerhouse Hekari FC has arrived in Honiara with one clear mission — to finally go one step further and claim the OFC Women’s Champions League title.
The two-time runners-up touched down at Henderson International Airport yesterday afternoon ahead of the 2026 OFC Women’s Champions League, bringing with them a squad determined to turn past heartbreak into history.
Hekari Women FC Head Coach Ericsson Komeng said the team understands the challenge ahead but believes his players are ready for the battle in Honiara.
“We are in a tough pool, against Ba, Tafea FC and Henderson Eels. We have to get through the pool first, and hopefully we can get through and see where we are,” Komeng said.
Hekari has been placed in Group A alongside Vanuatu champions Tafea FC, Fiji champions Ba Women FC and Solomon Islands representatives Henderson Eels FC.
For Komeng, the opening match against Ba will be an important test of his side’s readiness.
“I think all three are good clubs. They deserve to be here, and we just have to be at our best,” he said.
“Our first game will be against Ba, and we must be strong because I see this game as a very tough one. We are looking forward to that match.”
Hekari’s campaign comes with added motivation after finishing runners-up in the last two editions of the competition, both times narrowly missing out against Auckland United.
The PNG side lost the 2024 final in Honiara and suffered another 1-0 defeat in last year’s decider in Tahiti.
Komeng said those experiences have provided valuable lessons for his team.
“The important thing about finishing runners-up is that we have to learn from those games. We came here today to try and be better. I hope we can go one better this time,” he said.
The coach believes the inclusion of experienced players from Fiji will strengthen Hekari’s push this year.
“Yes, Hadi and Maria are two of the best players from Fiji. I think they will lift us and help the girls get through,” Komeng said.
The squad also includes Solomon Islands player Siasia, who Komeng believes has shown the right attitude despite being new to the environment.
“Yes, I like her attitude. She works hard at training. We will see how she goes,” he said.
“It is her first time playing for a different club away from home. It is going to be tough for her, but I’m sure she will get there.”
With Siasia expected to receive support from local fans, Komeng encourages Solomon Islands supporters to come out and embrace the tournament.
“The big thing is that they can come and support football. We have Sia. Every fan can come and support Sia and get behind us throughout the tournament,” he said.
Hekari’s preparation has been positive, although Komeng admitted the delayed start of the women’s league back home has been a challenge.
“Preparation has been good. The only thing is that the women’s league back home has not started yet. But the girls are fit and ready, and I’m looking forward to the tournament,” he said.
The arrival of Hekari adds further excitement to a historic tournament for Solomon Islands, with local club Henderson Eels representing the host nation against some of the region’s best women’s football teams.
The OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 brings together seven teams from across Oceania, with matches set to be played in Honiara from June 27.
Hekari Women FC enters the competition as one of the region’s most experienced sides, having reached the final in the previous two editions.
The PNG champions will begin their campaign against Ba Women FC before facing Tafea FC and Henderson Eels in Group A.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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