The Ba Soccer team preparing to take on Papua New Guinea's Hekari Souths United in next week's O-League has been hit with a major blow.

The team's first choice goalkeeper Jone Sarolo has been ruled out because of serious illness that saw him been hospitalised.

Ba Soccer President, Rishi Kumar said Sarolo will be heavily missed, as their second choice goalkeeper Epeli Codro has not played in any international matches.

Kumar said despite a setback, his players are confident of doing the job on the field and beat Hekari Souths United for the second time.

In the first leg Ba won 2-1. The return match will be played next Saturday at Govind Park at 3pm.