Hekari United FC Academy 1 Claims NCDFA Preseason Title

The battle of Hekari United FC Academies saw Team 1 edge Team 2 with a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout of the National Capital District Football Association (NCDFA) Men’s Grand Final to snatch the preseason title on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, at PNG Football Stadium.

The battle of the brother academies did not disappoint as the raw talents displayed their best performance on the pitch and entertained the fans with their skills, capping off the decider in a thrilling finish. 

Just under five minutes of play, team 2 netted the opening goal and put themselves on the front foot. However, with a few minutes left before half-time, team 1 levelled the goal.

The two sides were firing on all cylinders in the second half as they battled for ball possession and field territory. However, the goals were hard to come by though both teams had a couple of chances to score, pushing the game to a nail-biting penalty shootout.

Hekari United FC Academy team 1 were crowned the NCDFA preseason men’s champions while team 2 settled for the second placing and Matala FC secured the third spot. 

In the women’s division, Hekari United FC claimed the title while Matala FC were runners-up and POM Souths finished in third position.

Witnessing the finals were Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) President John Kapi Natto, PNGFA General Secretary Ahmjad Tekwie, and PNGFA Chief Operating Officer Stanley Khanna.

On behalf of PNGFA, Secretary General Ahmjad Tekwie acknowledged the participating teams and congratulated the winners of both divisions, including the runners-up. He mentioned that PNGFA stands ready to work alongside NCDFA to grow football in the nation’s capital and across the country.    

NCDFA President Vonnie Kapi Natto thanked the clubs for their participation in the preseason, extending congratulations to the men’s and women’s champions. She also acknowledged the support of her executives and PNGFA, and looks forward to commencing the proper season this weekend.