'We're in the final'

Happy Hekari team after defeating Lautoka F.C.

Hekari United FC owner John Kapi Natto says the 1-0 win over Lautoka is enough to give them a place in the O-League final.

Natto said his club will easily dispose bottom of the table Marist FC at Lawson Tama Stadium on March 28 in the group decider.

He said the win over Lautoka was sweet after their loss to the Blues in Port Moresby."I had to bring experienced players to boost the side".

" I am very positive that I can take Hekari to the next level and this win over Lautoka was the trump. "We can easily go past Marist in the final group match and book a place in the final. Fiji and Solomon clubs have done it in the past and I think PNG can do it too".

Natto imported Solomon Island stars Alick Maemae, Gideon Omokirio, Stanley Waita and Henry Faarodo to add more strength to his side. Faarodo nailed the decisive goal against Lautoka which has propelled the side to the top of the table.

"I had to blend experience with the PNG players and that is the reason we brought in the likes of Alick Maemae and Stanley Waita. It was about winning for us in Lautoka," Natto said.

"We have two Fijians and we would like to think that we can bring in Vanuatu players as well. I am an investor and I like to promote flair in football.

I want a blend of players from the Pacific if we are to beat New Zealand in the final.

"Hekari is likely to face defending O-League champions Auckland City in the final if they go past Marist.

Natto said to beat New Zealand they would need the best players. He said he could recruit two more players before playing in the final to increase their chances of playing in the Club World Cup.

"We know we will face New Zealand and who knows I can bring in two more players before the final," he said.

Natto is eyeing the US$1 million which would be handed to the team that makes the Club World Cup with the O-League winner getting automatic entry.

Hekari leaves for Port Moresby today after spoiling Lautoka's plans of extending its lead in Group B.The PNG champions will face Marist on March 28 and Lautoka will meet Tafea in Port Villa on the same day.

source: www.fijisun.com.fj