4 Feb 2017

Sport: Hekari United wrong to challenge PNG FA - rival coach

1:09 pm on 4 February 2017

The coach of Hekari United's biggest domestic rival says it was wrong for them to undermine the Papua New Guinea Football Association.

Hekari United celebrate winning the 2010 Oceania Champions League.

Hekari United celebrate winning the 2010 Oceania Champions League. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Hekari were disqualified from participating in this year's OFC Champions League after a meeting of Oceania Football's Emergency Committee.

The decision comes after the PNG Football Association filed a complaint following numerous derogatory public statements regarding the association made by Hekari chairman John Kapi Natto.

Kapi Natto, who has also made public statements and organised public meetings related to the formation of a new football association, in opposition to PNGFA, and a rival national league competition.

Lae City Dwellers coach Peter Gunemba said he does not agree with OFC's decision to disqualify Hekari United but said they have themselves to blame.

"I really didn't want that to happen to Hekari, for the good of the football in the country. I believe it was not right for them but, anyway, that's what OFC regulations say," he said.

"I feel sorry for Hekari and all the blame will go to the management of Hekari for constantly fighting against PNGFA, which is not right to do. It's better for them to go and sit with the current PNGFA management, talk to them, sit in a round table, discuss and see where they went wrong and rectify and to not punish the clubs."

Lae City Dwellers will be representing PNG in the OFC Champions League next month, with the replacement for Hekari United to be announced shortly.