{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = PNG Hekari | image = PNG Hekari Logo.png | image_size = 200px | fullname = Papua New Guinea Hekari Football Club | nickname = The Red Army | founded = {{start date and age|2006}} (restructured) | ground = PNG Football Stadium | capacity = 14,800 | chrtitle = President | chairman = Vonie Kapi Natto | mgrtitle = Head coach | manager = Jerry Allen | league = Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League <br/> OFC Professional League | season = 2025 | position = Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League, 4th of 8 (final stage) | current = 2026 PNG Hekari FC season | pattern_la1 = _Hekari22h | pattern_b1 = _Hekari22h | pattern_ra1 = _Hekari22h | pattern_sh1 = _Hekari22h | pattern_so1 = _color_3_stripes_white | leftarm1 = FFFFFF | body1 = FFFFFF | rightarm1 = FFFFFF | shorts1 = FFFFFF | socks1 = FF0000 | pattern_la2 = _shukura17h | pattern_b2 = _shukura17h | pattern_ra2 = _shukura17h | leftarm2 = FF0000 | body2 = FF0000 | rightarm2 = FF0000 | shorts2 = 000000 | socks2 = 000000 | website = https://www.pnghekarifc.com/ }}
'''PNG Hekari''', formerly known as '''POM Souths''', '''Souths United''', '''PRK Souths United''', '''Hekari Souths United,''' and '''Hekari United''', is a professional soccer club formed in 2006,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=254482/match=300140541/preview.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209143404/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=254482/match=300140541/preview.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2010|title=FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 - Matches - Al Wahda-Hekari United FC |website=FIFA|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The club holds the record for most titles in the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League, having won nine titles, including eight consecutive titles from 2006 to 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pngchamp.html|title=Papua New Guinea - List of Champions|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=4 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204122820/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/pngchamp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They are also one of the two clubs from outside Australia and New Zealand to have won the OFC Champions League, and therefore to have represented Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup, having achieved both in 2010.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/ofcchampionsleague/news/newsid/294/921/3/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511121204/http://www.fifa.com/live-scores/ofcchampionsleague/news/newsid/294/921/3/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 May 2018|title=Duo eye breakthrough continental glory|date=2018-05-11|work=FIFA|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/sports/63440/lautoka-on-its-way-to-create-history-|title=FBC News|last=Conduit|first=Rox|website=FBC|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041258/http://www.fbc.com.fj/sports/63440/lautoka-on-its-way-to-create-history-|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/hekari-united-set-for-historic-debut-1.720515|title=Hekari United set for historic debut|author=M. Satya Narayan|date=2010-11-30|work=Gulf News|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526112840/https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/hekari-united-set-for-historic-debut-1.720515|url-status=live}}</ref>
After chairman John Kapi Natto spearheaded a split from the National Soccer League in 2017, the club competed for two seasons in the Papua New Guinea National Premier League,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/new-body-launched/|title=New body launched - The National|date=2017-02-27|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615110945/https://www.thenational.com.pg/new-body-launched/|url-status=live}}</ref> winning the inaugural edition.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> The club returned to the National Soccer League for the 2019 season, finishing second.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" />
== History == === Foundation and early years === The club was first founded in 2003 and entered the Port Moresby First Division, the second level of football in the country's capital. The side finished top of the regular season table, but were beaten to promotion by Sunset FC, who defeated them 3–1 on penalties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png03.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2003|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-06-01|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208155820/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png03.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, the side went on to win the league, defeating Bavaroko 3–1 in the Grand Final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png04.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2004|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-06-01|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323011151/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png04.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After their promotion, the club competed in the 2005 Port Moresby Premier League alongside nine other teams. The side finished third in the table and third in the knockout stage, narrowly missing out on the final after a defeat to PS Rutz on 11 September 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png05.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2005|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-06-01|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202052157/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png05.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== National Soccer League debut and domination === In 2006, the side once again finished third in the Port Moresby Premier League. Having finished the regular season in third place, they lost 2–0 to Rapatona on 1 October 2006 in their semi-final match.<ref name=":1" />
Under the name of PRK Souths United, the side finished top of the inaugural 2006 National Soccer League, defeating Madang Flying Fox 5–1 on the final day of the season to snatch the league lead away from TL Blue Kumuls after their defeat to Gelle Hills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pngfootball.com.pg/nsl/PRK_shocks_fox.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818045453/http://www.pngfootball.com.pg/nsl/PRK_shocks_fox.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-08-18|title=Local NSL News|date=2007-08-18|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref> The club then defeated Gelle Hills 2–0 in the Grand Final.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png06.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2006|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=28 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128150928/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png06.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Kema Jack scored both goals and picked up the Golden Boot as the top scorer throughout the whole NSL season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pngfootball.com.pg/News/PRK_souths_win_nsl_final.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818045440/http://www.pngfootball.com.pg/News/PRK_souths_win_nsl_final.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-08-18|title=Local Soccer News|date=2007-08-18|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref> However, the club failed to qualify for the 2007 OFC Champions League after being defeated by University Inter FC in the Overall Final, losing 4–2 over two legs.<ref name=":1" />
As Hekari Souths United, the club were favoured to retain their title in the 2007–08 season, having obtained the services of Solomon Island internationals Abraham Iniga and Jack Samani.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-8293/|title=NSL TELIKOM CUP 2007/08 SET TO KICK-OFF {{!}} Oceania Football Confederation|website=Oceania Football Confederation|date=2 November 2007 |access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526043330/https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-8293/|url-status=live}}</ref> The club carried good form into the season, having won the Port Moresby Premier League for the first time in September, topping the league table by 7 points and then exacting an element of revenge on University Inter by defeating them 2–1 in the Grand Final.<ref name=":3" /> The club then finished top of the NSL regular season table too, and won the Grand Final 3–2 against Gelle Hills, with all three goals coming from Kema Jack.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png07.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2007|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208104434/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png07.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This meant they qualified for the 2008–09 OFC Champions League Preliminary Round, where they were granted automatic entry to the finals after both their opponents pulled out. In Group B, they finished second behind Koloale of the Solomon Islands, narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
In what would prove to be their last season in the Port Moresby Premier League, the side finished top of the regular season table and progressed to the Grand Final against newly promoted MacLaren FC, only to have the matched abandoned on 80 minutes, with Hekari trailing 0–1, due to a pitch invasion. The title was eventually handed to MacLaren.<ref name=":4" />
=== OFC Champions League Title and Club World Cup === Hekari once again qualified for the continental competition after being crowned champions of the 2008–09 National Soccer League. The team finished top of the regular season table, but the Grand Final, set to be played against Rapatona FC, was postponed twice before being cancelled entirely, with the title being awarded to Hekari by virtue of a higher league position.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png08.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2008|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208091114/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png08.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2009, the club began to take part in the 2009–10 OFC Champions League, changing their name simply to Hekari United, and entering Group B alongside Lautoka of Fiji, Tafea from Vanuatu and Marist from the Solomon Islands. Despite picking up just one point from their first two games, the club topped the group after four consecutive victories saw them finish ahead of Lautoka by a point. In the two-legged final, Hekari faced two-time winners Waitakere United, and the first leg in Port Moresby saw the Papua New Guinea side win 3–0, with goals coming from Kema Jack (2) and Solomon Islander Alick Maemae.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/844b092d-9c79-4997-9bd6-85027862d1a5/Default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504164448/http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/844b092d-9c79-4997-9bd6-85027862d1a5/Default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-05-04|title=Oceania Football Confederation|date=2015-05-04|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> In the return leg in New Zealand, on 2 May 2010, Hekari were able to maintain their aggregate lead, losing 2–1 on the day but winning 4–2 on aggregate and qualifying for the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, UAE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/2010/05/02/1904821/waitakere-united-2-1-hekari-united-2-4-agg-papua-new|title=Waitakere United 2-1 Hekari United (2-4 Agg): Papua New Guineans Make History By Qualifying For FIFA Club World Cup {{!}} Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041703/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/2010/05/02/1904821/waitakere-united-2-1-hekari-united-2-4-agg-papua-new|url-status=live}}</ref>
Meanwhile, the side won their fourth straight domestic title, topping the regular season table during the 2009–10 National Soccer League and defeating Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC 5–0 in the Grand Final on 24 April 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png09.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2009|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020931/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png09.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Ahead of the Club World Cup in December 2010, the side recruited Fijian international Osea Vakatalesau and veteran Solomon Islands striker Henry Fa'arodo to bolster their prospects at the competition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/2010/12/06/2247723/2010-club-world-cup-profile-hekari-united|title=2010 Club World Cup Profile: Hekari United {{!}} Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041934/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/2010/12/06/2247723/2010-club-world-cup-profile-hekari-united|url-status=live}}</ref> However, their FIFA competition debut was short-lived, as they lost 3–0 to hosts Al Wahda in the opening match of the competition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/al-wahda-thump-hekari-united-in-opener-2010-12-09-1.326957|title=Al Wahda thump Hekari United in opener|last=Ousman|first=Allaam|date=2010-12-09|work=Emirates 24/7|access-date=2018-05-25|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041510/https://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/al-wahda-thump-hekari-united-in-opener-2010-12-09-1.326957|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Eight league titles === Hekari's defence of the OFC Champions League was unsuccessful in the following season's continental competition. Hekari were placed in Group A alongside Koloale and Lautoka, two sides they had played in previous editions, as well as Vanuatuan champions Amicale, but finished bottom of the group after winning just one of their six matches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-miss-out/|title=Hekari miss out - The National|date=2011-02-27|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201541/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-miss-out/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 2 April 2011, the side picked up their fifth domestic title, defeating Eastern Stars 4–0 in the Grand Final, having gone through the season unbeaten.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2011.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2010/11|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208154743/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2011.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/no-sweat/|title=No sweat! - The National|date=2011-04-04|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615055543/https://www.thenational.com.pg/no-sweat/|url-status=live}}</ref>
They once again represented Oceania at the 2011–12 OFC Champions League, and provided a much sterner test, once again facing Amicale and Koloale and finishing ahead of both sides in the group, but were eliminated on 3 March 2012 after a late goal from Auckland City's Alex Feneridis salvaged a draw for their New Zealand opponents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/life-and-death-for-hekari/|title=Life and death for Hekari - The National|date=2012-03-02|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201430/https://www.thenational.com.pg/life-and-death-for-hekari/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-hopes-ended/|title=Hekari hopes ended - The National|date=2012-03-04|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023051/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-hopes-ended/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 April 2012, the side won their sixth league title with a 3–0 victory over Eastern Stars, with goals from Taniela Waqa, Kema Jack and Wira Wama.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2012.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2011/12|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202055109/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-united-win-sixth-straight-title/|title=Hekari United win sixth straight title - The National|date=2012-04-15|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140705/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-united-win-sixth-straight-title/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Due to the delayed start of the 2013 National Soccer League and the new format of the 2012–13 OFC Champions League, the club were faced with a punishing schedule from 2 February through to 1 June 2013, with the club being required to play 22 games over the four-month period – 14 regular-season domestic matches, six Champions League Group Stage games, and two domestic playoff matches, including the Grand Final. Despite the OFC format change allowing both the group winners and the runners-up to progress to the knockout-stages, Hekari were unable to capitalise, winning just one game and finishing with 4 points.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/finally-a-win-for-hekari/|title=Finally, a win for Hekari - The National|date=2013-04-28|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023230/https://www.thenational.com.pg/finally-a-win-for-hekari/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, their results domestic remained unaffected, and they clinched their seventh league title with victory over FC Port Moresby, winning 3–0.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-rule/|title=Hekari rule - The National|date=2013-06-03|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201616/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-rule/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Their continental form continued to deteriorate during the 2013–14 OFC Champions League, which underwent another format change. All their group matches took place at Govind Park, home stadium of Ba, in April 2014, and Hekari finished bottom of the group, drawing two of their games and losing the third.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-draw-miss-out/|title=Hekari draw, miss out - The National|date=2014-04-13|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201503/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-draw-miss-out/|url-status=live}}</ref> Domestically, they reached another Grand Final, which was against Lae FC. Hekari led 3–0 until several Lae FC fans outside the arena fence started throwing stones at the Hekari United players, with Hekari goalkeeper Godfrey Baniau being hit several times.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/disgust-reigns-at-lae-soccer-supporter%E2%80%99s-behaviour/|title=Disgust reigns at Lae soccer supporter's behaviour - The National|date=2014-05-26|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707040032/https://www.thenational.com.pg/disgust-reigns-at-lae-soccer-supporter%E2%80%99s-behaviour/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/crowd-violence-mars-final/|title=Crowd violence mars final - The National|date=2014-05-26|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201432/https://www.thenational.com.pg/crowd-violence-mars-final/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to their better regular season record, Hekari were awarded their eighth title shortly afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2014.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2014|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208161936/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2014.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Decline and split from NSL === The 2015 National Soccer League began in January 2015, and Hekari flew to Fiji for the 2014–15 OFC Champions League top of the domestic table.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2015.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2015|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323014718/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2015.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the club were drawn into a group with Kiwi side Team Wellington, and a 2–0 defeat to the New Zealand club meant they finished second in Group C, again missing out on the knockout stages.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/reds%E2%80%99-dream-in-tatters/|title=Reds' dream in tatters - The National|date=2015-04-15|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023234/https://www.thenational.com.pg/reds%E2%80%99-dream-in-tatters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-bow-out/|title=Hekari bow out - The National|date=2015-04-20|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023000/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-bow-out/|url-status=live}}</ref> They returned to domestic action and topped the regular season table, and were drawn to face Madang FC in the Championship Playoff Semi-Finals on 16 May 2015. However, in what was described as the 'upset of the decade', Madang came away with a 3–2 victory, ending Hekari's eight-year reign at the top of Papua New Guinean football.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/reds-dynasty-meets-its-end/|title=Reds dynasty meets its end - The National|date=2015-05-17|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527022957/https://www.thenational.com.pg/reds-dynasty-meets-its-end/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Despite the defeat, Hekari qualified for the 2016 OFC Champions League thanks to finishing top of the regular season table. For the first time, two clubs from Papua New Guinea were invited to the competition, with Lae City Dwellers joining United as winners of the Grand Final.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-paves-way/|title=Hekari paves way - The National|date=2015-08-24|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201730/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-paves-way/|url-status=live}}</ref> This was not before the domestic season, though, which saw Hekari come through two league stages undefeated, topping both the Southern Conference and the Championship Playoff tables in a new-look season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2016.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2015/16|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323004113/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2016.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, despite having beaten their Grand Final opponents, Lae City Dwellers, 5–0 in the playoff the previous week, Hekari slipped to a 2–0 defeat, handing the Dwellers a second consecutive title.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/lae-shocker/|title=Lae shocker - The National|date=2016-03-21|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201733/https://www.thenational.com.pg/lae-shocker/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the OFC Champions League, Hekari scored big wins against AS Lössi of New Caledonia (5–1) and Suva of Fiji (3–0), but were unable to overcome New Zealanders Team Wellington for the second consecutive season, going down 4–0 and being eliminated from the competition at the group stage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-crash-out-of-oceania-tourney/|title=Hekari crash out of Oceania tourney - The National|date=2016-04-18|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201654/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-crash-out-of-oceania-tourney/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the side did pick up the Fair Play Award at the end of the tournament.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-picks-up-ofc-fair-play-award/|title=Hekari picks up OFC fair play award - The National|date=2016-04-25|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201732/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-picks-up-ofc-fair-play-award/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following several months of build-up to the delayed PNGFA presidential election, on 30 November 2016, club chairman and presidential candidate John Kapi Natto was suspended from the PNGFA for 'non-compliance to the FIFA electoral code.'<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/pngfa-gives-kapi-natto-boot/|title=PNGFA gives Kapi Natto the boot - The National|date=2016-11-30|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151206/https://www.thenational.com.pg/pngfa-gives-kapi-natto-boot/|url-status=live}}</ref> This left the door open for incumbent David Chung to win re-election on 28 December 2016,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/pngfa-returns-chung/|title=PNGFA returns Chung - The National|date=2016-12-29|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151236/https://www.thenational.com.pg/pngfa-returns-chung/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the following day Kapi Natto announced that Hekari, and 11 other associations across the country, would be pulling out of the PNGFA-organised National Soccer League, as well as the 2017 OFC Champions League.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-pulls-nsl-ofc-comp/|title=Hekari pulls out of NSL, OFC comp - The National|date=2016-12-30|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524082126/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-pulls-nsl-ofc-comp/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== First National Premier League Title === From April 2017, Hekari, alongside 11 other clubs, took part in the newly formed National Premier League. Hekari were drawn in the Southern Conference and topped the table, qualifying for the playoffs.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2017.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2017|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329004417/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2017.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After thrashing newcomers Jessa Nawaeb FC 11–0 in the semi-final,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/papaka-shock-markham-face-hekari-npl-final/|title=Papaka shock Markham, face Hekari in NPL final - The National|date=2017-06-15|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201735/https://www.thenational.com.pg/papaka-shock-markham-face-hekari-npl-final/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hekari took on Papaka FC in the Grand Final and won 4–0, thanks in part to a hat-trick from striker Tommy Semmy.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-win-first-npl-title/|title=Hekari win first NPL title - The National|date=2017-06-19|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041720/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-win-first-npl-title/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the 2018 edition of the National Premier League, Hekari were drawn in the Southern Conference but were unable to top the group, finishing second and, as a result, failing to qualify for the final.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/erema-top-southern-leg/|title=Erema top Southern leg - The National|date=2018-02-26|work=The National|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041221/https://www.thenational.com.pg/erema-top-southern-leg/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2018.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2018|website=RSSSF|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327190934/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2018.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hekari progressed to the third-place playoff, where they defeated Markham FC 5–1.<ref name=":2" />
=== Return to NSL === Following the dissolution of the FFPNG in October 2018 and the merging into the PNGFA, chairman John Kapi Natto declared that Hekari will 'obviously' make a comeback ahead of the 2019 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-fc-will-make-comeback-nsl/|title=Hekari United FC will 'make a comeback' in NSL - Post Courier|website=postcourier.com.pg|date=13 November 2018 |access-date=2018-11-17|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118035305/https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-fc-will-make-comeback-nsl/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ahead of the new season, the club brought Solomon Islands coach Jerry Allen – the manager who had taken them to the Club World Cup in 2010 – back to the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://footballoceania.com/2018/12/18/hekari-bring-back-success-coach-as-they-aim-for-strong-nsl-return/|title=Hekari bring back success coach as they aim for strong NSL return|last=Bjerkevoll|first=Ola|date=2018-12-18|website=Football in Oceania|access-date=2018-12-19|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230432/https://footballoceania.com/2018/12/18/hekari-bring-back-success-coach-as-they-aim-for-strong-nsl-return/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-fc-set-huge-nsl-return/|title=Hekari United FC set for huge NSL return|date=2018-12-18|website=Post Courier|access-date=2018-12-19|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230425/https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-fc-set-huge-nsl-return/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The club was officially announced as rejoining the National Soccer League in January 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/nsl-set-kick-off-january-26/|title=NSL set to kick off on January 26|date=2019-01-18|website=Post Courier|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181600/https://postcourier.com.pg/nsl-set-kick-off-january-26/|url-status=live}}</ref> They were drawn into the Southern Conference, and topped the conference with ease, winning all 14 of their matches and conceding just 12 goals.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2019.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2019|website=RSSSF|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327201308/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2019.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the quarter-finals of the playoffs, they defeated West Tribe from the Islands Conference 2–0 with goals from Tutizama Tanito and Kolu Kepo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-qualify-semi-final/|title=Hekari United qualify for semi final|date=2019-05-13|website=Post Courier|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-date=8 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608150723/https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-qualify-semi-final/|url-status=live}}</ref> They faced fellow conference rivals Eastern Stars in a two-legged semi-final, which they came through 4–1 on aggregate, setting up a final against reigning four-time champions Toti City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-toti-city-nsl-final/|title=Hekari United, Toti City in NSL final|date=2019-05-27|website=Post Courier|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-date=8 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608150718/https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-toti-city-nsl-final/|url-status=live}}</ref> In their first meeting since the 2016 final, Hekari were defeated 5–4 on penalties after the scores remained 0–0 after extra time.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/toti-city-win-title-thriller/|title=Toti City win title in thriller|date=2019-06-03|website=Post Courier|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-date=8 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608143333/https://postcourier.com.pg/toti-city-win-title-thriller/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day, it was confirmed that the club, alongside Toti, had qualified for the 2020 OFC Champions League.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/toti-city-hekari-united-qualify-ofc-cup/|title=Toti City and Hekari United qualify for OFC cup|date=2019-06-03|website=Post Courier|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-date=8 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608150724/https://postcourier.com.pg/toti-city-hekari-united-qualify-ofc-cup/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The club returned for the 2019–20 Papua New Guinea National Soccer League alongside nine other teams.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-11|title=NSL kicks off this weekend|url=https://www.looppng.com/node/88838|access-date=2020-12-28|website=Loop PNG|language=en}}</ref> The side went unbeaten in the first half of the regular season and lead the league at the halfway stage. In the meantime, they took part in the group stage of the 2020 OFC Champions League, but were narrowly eliminated after one win, one draw, and one defeat – their sole victory came against Vanuatu side ABM Galaxy, but a 2–1 victory was not enough to overturn their goal difference deficit against that very side. Back at home, coach Jerry Allen went home to the Solomon Islands and was replaced by Erickson Komeng following the enforced five-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-12|title=Hekari United FC players arriving at the PNG Football Stadium and going through checks|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-fc-players-arriving-at-the-png-football-stadium-and-going-through-checks/|access-date=2020-12-30|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115142617/https://postcourier.com.pg/hekari-united-fc-players-arriving-at-the-png-football-stadium-and-going-through-checks/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the side suffered defeats to Star Mountain and Lae City in the second half of the season, and finished the regular season in second place, behind reigning champions Lae.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Papua New Guinea 2019/20|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2020.html|access-date=2020-12-28|website=RSSSF|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202114025/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2020.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They thus qualified for the 2021 OFC Champions League and the domestic playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-30|title=Top four to battle for top prize|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/top-four-to-battle-for-top-prize/|access-date=2020-12-28|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117155337/https://postcourier.com.pg/top-four-to-battle-for-top-prize/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, they suffered a shock defeat to league debutants Vitiaz United on penalties in the semi-finals<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-05|title=Vitiaz Stun Hekari on Penalties While Lae Edge Past Valiant Gulf Komara|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2020/10/05/vitiaz-stun-hekari-on-penalties-while-lae-edge-past-valiant-gulf-komara/|access-date=2020-12-28|website=Oceania Football Center|language=en|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202211118/https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2020/10/05/vitiaz-stun-hekari-on-penalties-while-lae-edge-past-valiant-gulf-komara/|url-status=live}}</ref> before defeating Gulf Komara to finish third overall.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-11|title=Lae City Claim Sixth Title After Professional and Polished Performance against Vitiaz|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2020/10/11/lae-city-claim-sixth-title-after-professional-and-polished-performance-against-vitiaz/|access-date=2020-12-28|website=Oceania Football Center|language=en|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129222511/https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2020/10/11/lae-city-claim-sixth-title-after-professional-and-polished-performance-against-vitiaz/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== OFC Professional League === On 15 September 2025, the club unveiled PNG Hekari FC as its new identity, following admission into the OFC Professional League.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hekari unveils new identity ahead of OFC Pro League debut|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-unveils-new-identity-ahead-of-ofc-pro-league-debut/ |website=thenational.com.pg |publisher=The National |access-date=15 September 2025}}</ref>
== Squad == {{updated|January 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=PNG Hekari FC|url=https://www.ofcproleague.com/png-hekari-fc/|access-date=12 December 2025|website=OFC Professional League}}</ref> {{Fs start|no=|bg=FFFF00|color=000000}} {{Fs player|no=1|nat=PNG|name=Dave Tomare|pos=GK}} {{Fs player|no=3|nat=PNG|name=Godfrey Haro|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=4|nat=BRA|name=Erick Joe|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=6|nat=PNG|name=Joseph Joe|pos=MF}} {{Fs player|no=7|nat=PNG|name=Raymond Gunemba|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=8|nat=BRA|name=Rafael Chaves|pos=MF}} {{Fs player|no=9|nat=PNG|name=Ati Kepo|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=10|nat=SOL|name=John Orobulu|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=11|nat=PNG|name=Rex Naime|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=12|nat=PNG|name=Judah Asar|pos=MF}} {{Fs player|no=14|nat=PNG|name=Nathan Eddie|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=15|nat=PNG|name=Ritzoki Tamgol|pos=MF}} {{Fs mid|no=|bg=FFFF00|color=000000}} {{Fs player|no=16|nat=PNG|name=Logan Biwa|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=17|nat=VAN|name=John Alick|pos=MF}} {{Fs player|no=18|nat=BRA|name=Kauê Silva|pos=FW}} {{Fs player|no=20|nat=PNG|name=Nabo Pongi|pos=GK}} {{Fs player|no=21|nat=PNG|name=Naime Reggy|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=23|nat=PNG|name=Kasum Gabriel|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=24|nat=PNG|name=Nigel Yaka|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=|nat=PNG|name=Joseph Brown|pos=GK}} {{Fs player|no=|nat=PNG|name=Gere Tegana|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=|nat=SOL|name=Leon Kofana|pos=DF}} {{Fs player|no=|nat=PNG|name=Moses Joe|pos=DF}} {{Fs end}}
== League history == {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" |- !rowspan=2|Season !rowspan=2|Division !colspan=9|League !colspan=2|Other competitions !colspan=2|Top scorer |- !width=20px|{{abbr|P|Games played}} !width=20px|{{abbr|W|Won}} !width=20px|{{abbr|D|Drawn}} !width=20px|{{abbr|L|Lost}} !width=20px|{{abbr|F|Goals for}} !width=20px|{{abbr|A|Goals against}} !width=20px|{{abbr|Pts|Points}} !width=40px|{{abbr|Pos|Regular-season position}} !width=40px|{{abbr|Finals|Finals series finish}} !OFC !FIFA !Name !Goals |- !2006 | rowspan=10|NSL |8 |5 |1 |2 |18 |8 |'''16'''|| style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |rowspan=2 {{n/a}} |rowspan=4 {{n/a}} |style=text-align:left| || |- !2007–08 |12 |9 |2 |1 |32 |13 |'''29''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |style=text-align:left| || |- !2008–09 |14 |12 |1 |1 |32 |7 |'''37''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2009–10 |15 |13 |1 |1 |59 |14 |'''40''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |style="background:gold;"|'''W''' |style=text-align:left| || |- !2010–11 |11 |10 |1 |0 |37 |10 |'''31''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |GS |7th |style=text-align:left| || |- !2011–12 |16 |13 |2 |1 |55 |9 |'''41''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |GS |rowspan=13 {{n/a}} |style=text-align:left| || |- !2013 |14 |12 |2 |0 |47 |11 |'''38''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2014 |12 |9 |3 |0 |39 |7 |'''30''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2015 |12 |8 |2 |2 |29 |9 |'''26''' | style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' | style="background:#e90;"| 3rd |GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2015–16 |10 |10 |0 |0 |39 |12 |'''30''' | style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' | style="background:silver;"| 2nd |GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2017 |rowspan=2|NPL |9 |8 |1 |0 |28 |10 |'''25''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |rowspan=3 {{n/a}} |style=text-align:left| || |- !2018 |3 |2 |0 |1 |15 |3 |'''6''' | style="background:silver;"| 2nd | style="background:#e90;"| 3rd |style=text-align:left| || |- !2019 |rowspan=4|NSL |14 |14 |0 |0 |45 |12 |'''42''' | style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' | style="background:silver;"| 2nd |style=text-align:left| || |- !2019–20 |18 |13 |3 |2 |39 |10 |'''42''' | style="background:silver;"| 2nd | style="background:#e90;"| 3rd |GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2021–22 |colspan=7|''Unknown'' | style="background:silver;"| 2nd | style="background:silver;"| 2nd |PR |- !2023 |colspan=7|''Unknown'' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' ||GS |style=text-align:left| || |- !2024 |PSL |16 |13 |2 |1 |40 |8 |'''41''' |style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' || style="background:gold;"| '''1st''' |GS |style=text-align:left| || |}
== Honours == === Continental competitions === * '''OFC Champions League''' ** Champions: 2009–10
=== National competitions === * '''Papua New Guinea National Soccer League/Premier Soccer League''' ** Champions (10): 2006, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013, 2014, 2023, 2024 **Runners-up: 2015–16, 2019, 2022 * '''Papua New Guinea National Premier League''' ** Champions: 2017
=== Regional competitions === * '''Port Moresby Premier League''' ** Champions: 2007 ** Runners-up: 2008
==References== {{reflist}}
{{OFC Professional League}} {{Papua New Guinea National Soccer League}} {{OFC Champions League winners}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hekari United}} Category:Soccer clubs in Papua New Guinea Category:Association football clubs established in 2003 Category:OFC Professional League clubs Category:2003 establishments in Papua New Guinea Category:OFC Men's Champions League winning clubs Category:Sport in Port Moresby