MARIST FC has confirmed that they will not be having the services of their four Papua New Guinea players that helped them win the TSL last season.

A statement by Marist FC’s major sponsors Y-Sato Company’s Mr Yoshisuki Sato on the club’s social media page confirmed they will be without the four imports, Tommy Semmy, Daniel Joe, Koriak Upaiga and David Muta for the champion’s league.

“There has been speculation over the last few weeks regarding the availability of the PNG brothers for Marist FC’s 2017 O-League Campaign,” Sato said.

“Marist FC will not have the services of our four PNG brothers for the 2017 O-League Campaign. This was the agreement with Hekari United.

“As our sister-Club, Hekari United, had offered the services of four PNG players to assist Marist FC to win the 2016 S-League and that the players would return to Hekari United for their 2017 PNG National League and O-League Campaign.

“Team Management will look to strengthening its player ranks, first and foremost, from local talent and strengthening any further weaknesses with outside talent.

“Marist FC Team Management will keep our fans posted,” Mr Sato said.

However, with the recent turmoil with the Papua New Guinea Football Federation (PNGFA) possibilities of the four players returning is very likely after Hekari FC President John Kapi Nato announced the withdrawal from this year’s OFC Champions League.

“We are also closely monitoring the situation also,” Sato adds.

Meanwhile Marist FC Head Coach, Brazilian Juliano Schmeling has arrived back in the country yesterday to begin their preparations.

Mr Schmeling arrived back in the country travelling via Brisbane, Australia after spending the holiday season with his wife and daughter in New Zealand.

Schmeling said it was back to training and focus for the upcoming Oceania Champions League which will kick off end of next month.

Marist FC and Western United FC are the two clubs who will be representing Solomon Islands at 16th edition of the Oceania Champions League.