Tomare to skipper PNG Hekari FC in OFC Pro League

One of Papua New Guinea’s experienced goalkeepers, Dave Tomare, has been appointed the captain to lead the PNG Hekari Football Club in the inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League 2026. 

Tomare joined Hekari in 2017 and has been with the club ever since. He officially made his debut for the club in 2019 and went on to win a couple of titles in the Premier Soccer League, as well as representing the PNG Kapuls. 

Being one of Hekari’s mainstays, Tomare has been vocal on the field and barking orders at the back, showing leadership potential. He captained the team in the OFC Club Champions League last year. 

The Morobe-Bougainville man stressed that among all the equals in the team, he was humbled and honored to be given the captaincy role, assuring that he would give his best to lead the club on and off the field through his actions.

“It’s a big responsibility to shoulder and lead a professional club like Hekari, but I’m privileged for the opportunity given to captain the team in the OFC Pro League this year,” Tomare said. 

“My job is to lead the team by example on and off the field. I’ll play my role, and I expect my teammates to play their part as well, as we aim to finish in the top-4. We are confident and look forward to the challenge.” 

He also acknowledged the franchise owners, John Kapi Natto and Vonnie Kapi Natto, the coaching staff, and management for having faith and confidence in his leadership to steer the club into uncharted waters. 

The lanky skipper added that he could not wait to lead the MRDC-sponsored PNG Hekari FC in their opening fixture against the Solomon Kings FC this Sunday (January 18) at Auckland's Eden Park, New Zealand.