Wigman after winning history

Reigning Digicel PNG Cup champion Hela Wigman is aiming to become the third Papua New Guinea team to win the Melanesian Cup five times in a row when they face the Western Maroons this Saturday at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

“We want to continue that winning momentum from previous years that has been set by the other PNG teams,” said Wigman head coach Seth Rip.

The former Mendi Muruks forward, who joined the club in 2017, has worked up the ladder, having served as their strength and conditioning coach, head trainer, and team manager before being appointed head coach early last year.

“The team is excited to play the Western Maroons. This is our second time in Fiji, having faced the Kaiviti Silktails in 2020.

“We do not know the style of play of the Western Maroons, however, we will go into the game as a team that will focus on our style of play and we are not taking anything for granted.”

The Hela native said his boys were excited to play in Fiji and face the Vanua State of Origin champions Western Maroons.

“I want to wish them (Western Maroons) all the best when they face us. They are the champions of Fiji and the boys are happy to challenge them.

“At the end of 80 minutes on Saturday, we hope to come up as the winner.”

Rip said he had reminded his team of the important task at hand and the need for them to be focused.

“We are here to play footy and that is our only focus.”