Hekari Bounce Back in Winner’s Circle

The Hekari United FC had a bye in the opening round of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and lost to the Lae City FC in round 2 but rebounded on Saturday (June 28) after defeating the Port Moresby Strikers with a 3-1 win at PNG Football Stadium.

The Port Moresby Strikers had two straight victories in rounds 1 and 2 to start their 2025 Premier Soccer League campaign, but the rejuvenated Hekari outfit regrouped and snapped their winning streak over the weekend.

With the Strikers aiming for their third consecutive win and Hekari desperate to bounce back from a loss, the first half got off to a flying start. Just 15 minutes into the match, Hekari netted the first goal and defended their line in the next 30 minutes, taking a 1–0 lead at the break. 

The game opened up in the second half as the defending champions (Hekari) scored the second goal to exert their dominance. However, the Strikers responded with their first goal but the MRDC-backed team hit back to ice the game.

Coach Jerry Allen was pleased with the win but mentioned that there’s more work to be done, especially given the new combination of the team, after the departure of a few experienced players to rival clubs.

“I would like to congratulate my boys for a good game today. It was a tough game against the Strikers, but I’m happy with the result,” coach Allen said.      

“The old players have moved on and now we have young players, so there’s a lot of work to do to develop these players, but we will surely get there.”

The high-flying Hekari United FC will host the in-form FC Morobe Wawens in PSL’s round 3 clash this weekend at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.