Papua New Guinea football club Madang FC are keen to capitalise on a last-minute call-up to compete in the OFC Champions League.
Madang were nominated by the PNGFA as the replacement for Hekari United, who were disqualified by Oceania Football earlier this month.
Club chairman Dr Miok Komolong said the opportunity to compete in the Champions League was unexpected but they're looking forward to it.
"We were not ready but we took the opportunity because the opportunity doesn't always come sort of that easy," he said.
"We just got our players prepared and ready within the three weeks we got notice of the opportunity."
Photo: PNG Football
Madang failed to reach the second round of the PNG National Soccer League in 2016.
Lae City Dwellers and Morobe United advanced to the National Champions League from the Northern Zone, with Hekari United and Rapatona FC the top two finishers in the South.
Madang FC finished third in the Northern Zone, the equivalent of fifth place overall, and Dr Komolong admitted they were surprised to be given the nod.
"There were a lot of clubs ahead of us. I'm not sure what the reason was but we were basically ready and training and then other clubs were not ready...for the local NSL Soccer League to start," he said.
"I assume the PNGFA asked the other two clubs that may have been ahead of us but then settled for us when we made ourselves available."
Lae City Dwellers celebrate back to back PNG National Soccer League titles. Photo: Facebook / LAE City Dwellers FC
Hekari United were excluded from the 2017 competition after OFC ruled chairman John Kapi Natto and several players were deemed to have damaged the integrity of football, contravening the tournament regulations.
Mr Kapi Natto made statements and organised meetings related to the formation of a new football association and a rival national league competition.
Hekari United celebrate winning the 2010 Oceania Champions League. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Lae City Dwellers are the other PNG team competing in the OFC Champions League, which kicks off this weekend.
Madang are in Group A in Noumea, alongside hosts AS Magenta, Central Sport from Tahiti and Lupe ole Soaga from Samoa.
Hienghène Sport are hosting Group B in Kone, which also features last year's runners-up Team Wellington from New Zealand, Puaikura FC from the Cook Islands and Fiji's Ba.
