Vakatalesau eyes a stint with Hekari

Vakatalesau eyes a stint with Hekari September 06, 2010 By Reginald Chandar National and Lautoka striker Osea Vakatalesau is currently in Papua New Guinea, trying to seal a deal with O League champions Hekari United. Vakatalesau flew out of the country on Saturday and missed Lautoka's National League encounter against Suva at Churchill Park yesterday. The 24 year old Wailotua native from Tailevu had his suspension temporarily uplifted by Lautoka Football Association last week and has to re-appear before the disciplinary committee next Saturday for the final verdict. Vakatalesau and six other players faced suspension after failing to attend a team fitness test a week before the Battle Of the Giants tournament in Nadi. LFA president Shalendra Prasad said the news of Vakatalesau's departure came as a surprise to him as he was only informed yesterday. "I only came to know about his departure to PNG today (yesterday) when I visited the players in the changing room before the match against Suva," said Prasad. "His (Osea's) elder brother Leone Vurukania told me about Osea and his intention to play for Hekari." "At this point, I cannot say much because he is still yet to appear for the final hearing next Saturday." "We will not stop him if he wants to leave but there are things like his contract and the suspension issues that needs to be cleared" Prasad continued. Vakatalesau scored 15 goals for Fiji in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers and finished off as the top goal scorer in the first stage of qualifiers. The lethal finisher also had a short stint with New Zealand club YoungHeart Manawatu. If he gets the nod to join Hekari then he will be the fourth Fijian player to be part of Jerry Allen's star studded outfit. Pita Bolaitoga, Tuimasi Manuca and Alvin Singh are already contracted by the club. Ba's star midfielder Malakai Tiwa is also eyed by the club for the Club World Cup. ---------------------------------------------------------