THE Women National Conference Soccer League (WNSL) semi finals is set to set alight the PNG Football

The semi finals Game 1 will be between two sister teams, NCD FC and NCD Hekari FC. These is set to go down the wire as both came out from one stable at Papa One – East Boroko.

NCD FC coach Wira Wama is confident that his charges would give Hekari United a good challenge. Both teams played twice in the conference meet with the later coming out winners. But this did not dampen NCD FC spirit as they are equally determined to take on Southern Conference champion.

The clash should prove a mouth-watering challenge ahead of Bara FC and Mommers clash.

“We are so excited to play in the finals. God has been so gracious to us by bringing us thus far. What an opportunity to prove ourselves against Hekari. It should be a good game.”

Wama said he would be relying on his 17 plyers which include the starting 11 plus the bench players to win the match.

Senior player Gloria Laela said the girls have no pressure as they will give their best shot against Hekari.

“Hekari has something to play for as a champion team and secondly they are pride of Southern Conference unlike NCD FC,” she said.

Laela who played in the U20 World Cup in 2016 said we are not underestimating Hekari. “Our girls will play their best against them.”

NCD Hekari United FC coach Erickson Komeng has all the champion at his disposal. With the recruitment from Kimbe and Bougainville, this has beefed up his option to use against any team during the competition including the semifinals and final.

Hekari’s valuable buy Calista Maneo was the find of the WNSL tournament this season. She has tormented the opposition defence and will continue to do that against NCD FC on Saturday.

Team Manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto said her club picked her up during the club’s visit to Bougainville last year and she has no regret as Maneo has become a prolific striker and sooner or later, she might make a breakthrough to the national women’s team.

“She is a good player and I hope one day she will be given the opportunity to play for the country.

Straight out of Kiara FC in Eastern NGI Conference to Hekari and now she has been asked to train with the women’s team to gain some experience,” the team manageress said.

Mommers FC team manager Paul Taule said we have surprised Poro FC in Hagen with a one point victory. We are coming this far not to make up numbers but to give our best shot as we are representing the highlands of Papua New Guinea in this premier women’s football competition.

Despite what have said in the media by Poro FC officials, this will not distract us as we prepare for the big game on Saturday.

“We know that Bara will be tough. They have experienced players coming out of the biggest football association,” he said.

We have prepared well enough to face the giants to give our best. The girls have to play with bravery and their hearts as football is much bigger than us.

“I won say we have to win. I won put the pressure on the players. But we come a long way and we cannot give in. We have to focus on the game plan and go step by step. The important thing, the girls have been told to go out and enjoy the game. Victory will be a bonus,” Taule said.

Bara is mindful of Mommers.

“We are not taking them lightly has they have shocked Morobe’s top club Poro FC 1-0 at Kimininga Barracks in Mt Hagen and they are coming from there to give Bara a good game,” Mathew Iso said when arriving at Jackson Airport a day ahead of the semifinals tomorrow.

There is no particular player but Bara will give their best shot against Mommers.

End.