Crosster Media

Hekari United FC Complete Strong Friendly Series Against NCD FC Ahead of PSL Opener

In preparation for the upcoming 2026 Premier Soccer League season set to kick off on May 28, Hekari United FC and NCD FC concluded an exciting two-match friendly series aimed at assessing squad depth and finalising team combinations ahead of the 2026 PSL campaign.

The two-match friendly series saw Hekari United FC display their experience and quality, defeating the youthful NCD FC side in both matches. The first friendly, played last Saturday, ended in a 3–1 victory for Hekari, while the second match played today finished 3–0 in favour of Hekari United FC.

Despite the results, the NCD FC side largely made up of talented young players from the NCD Football Association competition , showed great energy, passion, and determination throughout both matches. Their fearless approach and attacking intent provided a strong challenge against the experienced Hekari United FC side.

Hekari’s senior players played a major role in guiding the younger squad members during the friendlies. Veteran defender Daniel Joe and Peter Dabinyaba Jr organised the backline with composure and leadership, while midfielders Solomon Rani, Chappie Upaiga, Elizah Kamak, and Rodzer Saking combined well to control possession and dictate the tempo throughout the matches.

Up front, experienced attacker Tommy Semmy led the young attacking unit brilliantly, constantly troubling defenders with his movement, pace, and attacking presence.

The friendly series also marked the welcomed return of several key players to the Hekari squad. Star midfielder Solomon Rani returned after spending last season with Highlands United FC, alongside Elizah Kamak and Fabian Kataka. Veteran wing-back Daniel Joe and midfielder Rodzer Saking also returned after years away, bringing valuable experience to a Hekari side largely built around academy talents. The return of star striker Tommy Semmy after a stint overseas has also boosted the squad’s attacking strength and experience ahead of the new PSL season.

For both teams, the friendly fixtures served as an important opportunity for coaches and technical staff to assess player performances, combinations, and fitness levels ahead of the new PSL season.

With the league opener fast approaching, Hekari United FC look focused and prepared, while NCD FC’s promising young squad continues to gain valuable experience and confidence for the future. Both coaches also stressed important areas for improvement as their teams regroup in training ahead of the season opener.

Friendly Series Ressults:
1st leg(Saturday)
HUFC 3 vs NCDFC 1

2nd leg(Wednesday)
HUFC 3 vs NCDFC 0

Pictures provided capture some of the action from today’s friendly match.


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Every great journey has a beginning, and beginnings do not define the future , they are only the introduction of a bigger story yet to be written.

This year marks the first-evr OFC Pro-League campaign for PNG Hekari and while the results may not have gone our way, football has always been a game of growth, lessons, and patience.
Sometimes it’s simply not our year, but that does not mean our time will never come.
What matters most is the progress behind the scenes. Many amateur players were transformed into professionals during this campaign, gaining experience, confidence, and exposure at the highest level in Oceania. That alone is a positive sign for the future of PNG football.
This year was never the end of the story it was the learning year.
A stepping stone. A foundation for years ti come.

To all PNG Hekari FC supporters we don’t lose hope n faith
Keep believing, keep supporting, and keep standing behind the team as tgis is our pride.🇵🇬

Our time is around the corner.
Next year will be a more promising year for our team.

Lets keep supporting n keep the ball rolling. 🇵🇬⚽

Picture credits to OFC Pro-League page.


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#2026

Football News | Wed, 13th May 2026

Hekari United FC PSL side made a positive start in their preseason preparations with a friendly match against IBS University Football Club.

As part of the preseason build-up, the Hekari United PSL side faced the IBSU side in a competitive friendly aimed at sharpening combinations and improving match fitness ahead of upcoming PNGFA Premier Soccer league proper season.

The match also served as an important preparation for IBSU FC as they gear up for the upcoming university football tournament to be hosted at Divine Word University in Madang.

For both teams, the friendly provided coaches with an early opportunity to assess player performances, test tactical combinations, and make necessary adjustments leading into bigger matches ahead.

Pictures provided capture some of the action from today’s friendly encounter.

Full-time:
Hekari United FC 8–1 IBS University Football Club

BREAKING: The PNG Chiefs have signed Jarome Luai as player #001.✍️
Source: NRL page.

PNG Hekari finished the final round of tge OFC Pro-League with a three points against 2nd place South Melbourne FC.

Picture credits: OFC PRO-LEAGUE page.

PRO-LEAGUE

Goal for Gonerau!

A sensational strike from Lekima Gonerau gives PNG Hekari FC the lead at the break 🫡

Watch the second half LIVE and FREE on FIFA+ or with your local broadcaster 📺

This is a notice to parents and guardians that the academy session for this Saturday in Port Moresby is cancelled due to the OFC U16 Qualifiers at the PNG Football Stadium. We will keep you all updated for next weekend’s event.

The future of Papua New Guinea football is here 🇵🇬✨
Introducing your PNG U16 Women’s National Team squad set to take on the challenge ahead in the OFC U-16 Women's Championship Qualifiers that will be hosted at the PNG Football Stadium from April 18th - 24th.
These young talents have earned their place and are ready to represent the nation with pride, passion, and determination.
Let’s get behind our girls as they begin their journey on the international stage 💪⚽

*shared|
Sharing below journalist Isaac Liri's profound observation of our girls/women's heroic performance in yesterday's women's world cup qualifier against New Zealand. Especially this comment, "Most of the players are mothers and semi pro players, and did their best defending against professional seasoned women's footballers ..."

Our girls/women deserve good long term and sustainable financial backing and professional technical support. While the focus and attention and all the vibe is on our entry into the NRL, we must consider strengthening and enhancing women sports as well in Papua New Guinea.

PC:

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PNG Women's football have always made the country proud no matter what.
Most of the players are mothers and semi pro players, and did their best defending against professional seasoned women's footballers in the NZ Ferns outfit, and went down gallantly 1-0 in the grand final of the FIFA Women's World Cup Oceania Qualifiers.
The Bilums should be proud no matter what. ⚽🇵🇬
Watching the match against the Ferns this afternoon, we have to find a way to improve our attacking game, and long passing game, instead of defending till the final whistle against quality opponents.
If we can do that, we can upset NZ one day.
Apart from the annual Women's Conference Soccer League at the domestic level, we have to do more.
1. Invest in our young female footballers/get them to sign professional contracts etc etc.
2. Market them to play in the A League and abroad.
3. Establish Women's football Academy with government funding assistance.
Despite the loss, they will have a chance through the inter-continental challenge, but for now, hats off to PNG Bilums goal keeper Betty Sam.
You Ori susa stret 🇵🇬⚽