Hekari Prime for OFC

The back-to-back reigning champions (2023-2024) of PNG’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) competition, Hekari United FC left for the Solomon Islands yesterday (March 27th) to compete in the 2025 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Championship, which will be hosted in Honiara from March 30th to April 12th.

Hekari dominated the PSL last season and stamped their authority from the opening round to the big dance, imposing their presence and claiming two consecutive titles on the trot. They were in a league of their own in the last two seasons.   

This will be OFC’s last tournament following the announcement of the inaugural Pro-League next year. The participating teams will want to phase out the OFC competition with a championship on their back and transition to the Pro-League in a clean slate. 

Hekari had participated in the O-League more than ten times and were crowned the champions of OFC once in 2010. That same year, they qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup and represented PNG in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Jerry Allen was the coach who helped Hekari win their maiden OFC title in 2010. The Solomon Islander departed the MRDC-sponsored franchise on good terms. Allen rejoined his old club and steered Hekari to championship glory last season, and will lead the red-army to the final campaign of OFC.

Coach Allen has confidence and faith in the squad who were selected, stating that their preparation was good and the players are refreshed to make their mark in the final edition of the OFC tournament. 

“We’ve made sure our team is well-prepared without any injuries and hopefully, we will have a good first game to open the tournament,” Allen said. 

“We know this is the final OFC championship, which means every team that is here has come with their best players, so it’s going to be very tough and challenging, but we have a great team who will give their best.”

The red outfit comprises a blend of youthful energy and seasoned campaigners and will be banking on the experience of veteran goalkeeper Dave Tomare, who replaces the battle-hardened skipper and fierce backliner, Daniel Joe in the captaincy role.

Hekari are pooled in Group B alongside Ifira Black Bird (Vanuatu), Central Coast (Solomon Islands), and Tupapa (Cook Islands). 

The champions of this year’s OFC tournament will secure an automatic qualification for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and they will also have a chance to qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup from 2025-2028. 

PC: Hekari United FC Media