PNG Hekari FC wraps up inaugural OFC Pro League season

The Papua New Guinea Hekari Football Club capped off their campaign in the 2026 inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League on a bittersweet note. 

Among 24 bidders bidding to participate in the first-ever OFC Pro League, PNG Hekari FC got the nod to represent PNG with a four-year license. 

Hekari started the opening series of the five circuits on the back foot. However, they picked up the momentum in the next four circuits, managing to register 2 wins out of 12 matches. 

The departure of Brazilian export coach Marcos Gusmao, coupled with the players’ suspensions and inexperience at an elite level, took a toll on the team’s overall performance. 

Adding salt to the wound, most of the squad are bench players, with the elite league testing their fitness level and game awareness to stay competitive. 

Despite the disappointing season, PNG Hekari FC General Manager Wira Wama explained that they had learned their lesson and aim to build on that experience ahead of next season.

“It’s been a tough and challenging season for us, but we have learned a lot, and we aim to be better next season,” Wama said.

“It’s a learning experience for the boys. They picked up in the last round, but it was already too late. We have learned a lot and look forward to next season.”  

Mr. Wama acknowledged the three core sponsors of PNG Hekari FC, whose sponsorship made it possible for the club to take part in the elite competition. 

“I want to thank our sponsors, Mineral Resources Development Company, Petroleum Resources Kutubu, and Kutubu Security Services for their support,” he said.

“They have been the backbone of our team, supporting us to compete in the inaugural OFC Pro League. We truly appreciate their support.

“Even though we did not get the result all of us wanted, they were at the back of us supporting and pushing us to give our best.”

He also thanked the PNGFA for their technical support, including PNG Hekari FC Director Vonnie Kapi Natto, John Kapi Natto, the coaching staff, and management. 

The General Manager further thanked the Admiralty FC, Lae City Dwellers, and United Highlands for releasing their players to the PNG Hekari FC in the OFC Pro League.

PNG Hekari FC Director Vonnie Kapi Natto expressed satisfaction with the club’s performance and keeps her fingers crossed for next season.

“The OFC Pro League is not like the Premier Soccer League in PNG and some parts of the Pacific; the level of the competition is very competitive and tough,” Mrs. Natto said.

“It was unfortunate that we could not make it to the final, but I’m very excited that the players get to experience the pro league, and I have a strong belief that we will do well next season.” 

Coach Jerry Allen echoed the sentiments of Mr. Wama and Mrs. Natto, hoping for an improved, better, and stronger season in 2027.

Hekari’s assistant coach, Jerry Allen, who has a B license, stepped up to mentor the team following Gusmao’s departure. 

Both the director and general manager mentioned that Allen would upskill his coaching credentials to A license, which is a FIFA requirement in professional competitions.

PNG Hekari FC will recruit marquee players domestically and abroad in the off-season, including an A licensing coach, to build a formidable roster for the OFC Pro League season 2.