Hekari announces new Head Coach for Pro League

Papua New Guinea Hekari Football Club announced Matt Badiee as its new Head Coach ahead of the 2027 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League season.

Coach Badiee arrived in Port Moresby on Wednesday, August 26th, ahead of the club’s OFC Pro League season two campaign.

Following a roller-coaster ride in the 2025 inaugural season, Hekari went back to the drawing board to assemble a formidable roster, with securing a coach being the club’s first agenda. 

Upon his arrival at the Jackson’s International Airport, coach Badiee said he was pleased to join Hekari and hoped to turn the club’s fortunes around next season.

“I’m very blessed to be in Papua New Guinea. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to winning some games for PNG Hekari FC,” he expressed. 

“Hekari is one of the most successful clubs in PNG, and I hope that I can elevate their status in PNG and across the Oceania region. 

“I am extremely excited to join Hekari. The club boasts some of the best athletes I have seen and has the ingredients to be among the top teams in Oceania. 

“I’m hoping that I can contribute to developing the new generation of players - the younger ones to the older players - and hopefully, we can qualify for the finals.” 

Badiee’s task is to make Hekari competitive next season, with the coach already setting the blueprint for the MRDC-sponsored franchise.

“I plan to make sure that we don’t regret anything. I don’t like ifs, buts, and excuses. As long as there’s a good mentality within the playing group, we will be fine,” he said.

“We are going to build a very entertaining football team, making sure the fans enjoy the games and are proud of the club. Our work will start immediately.”

PNG Hekari FC director and club owner Vonnie Kapi Natto was overwhelmed to receive coach Badiee and looks forward to working with him.

“I’m over the moon because it was our dream to see our players do well. I’m very excited to have him (Badiee) with us,” Mrs. Natto said. 

“It’s a different feeling, especially to get a person from a big country coming down to our level to help us develop our standard. 

“I hope the players will grab this opportunity with both hands and learn from coach Badiee to improve their skills.”

Hekari’s new mentor noted that the PNG players possess athleticism and skills to compete, but admitted that they needed to be taught about game awareness and psychology. 

Coach Badiee revealed that he aims to send some local players overseas, especially in the United States, to develop their skills and pursue further studies. 

Badiee said he will work with Hekari’s management to scout new players and mix them with the current squad as the “Red Army” set their sights on claiming the elusive silverware next season. 

The Iranian-born American coach boasts an outstanding football résumé spanning more than four decades and has built a reputation as an elite coach, national staff scout, coaching educator, and player development specialist.