Sydney FC head coach Patrick Kisnorbo has confirmed that new signing Oriola Sunday is a chance to make his club debut against the SD Raiders in tomorrow night’s Australia Cup quarter-final (7.30 pm).
Sunday arrived at Sydney FC this weekend and has already started training with the squad ahead of their clash at Fairfield Showground.
We can expect to hear the final verdict on Sunday’s selection soon, but Kisnorbo stopped short of confirming it. After being asked if Sunday would feature in the match, he said
“We could, but we have to find that out tomorrow. That’s a decision I’ll make later today or even tomorrow.”
Kisnorbo also drew comparisons with former Melbourne City striker and Golden Boot winner Bruno Fornaroli, highlighting the forward’s character and work ethic.
“For me it’s not about statistics,” he said.
“It’s about certain things like character and work ethic, and he fits that profile.
“He has an exceptional work ethic, and a trait we value at this club.”
When asked about the pressure the new signing places on players like Al Hassan Touré and others in the front line, Kisnorbo believes Sunday’s arrival will have a positive impact throughout the team.
“I think competition is great and healthy in the squad.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to have; having Sunday and potentially a couple more only strengthens our squad.”
Despite Southern District’s impressive recent form, Kisnorbo says his and the team’s focus is on themselves.
“The main thing is we worry about ourselves and the way we go about things. They’ve had a great run into the cup, but for us it’s worrying about ourselves and what we do.”
Kisnorbo also provided injury updates for several players, with young star Akol Akon likely to return for the clash, the coach saying, “He’s back in training. It’s great for us to have someone like that, and he’s been working really well, amongst all the other players.”
Kisnorbo also revealed goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares is making promising progress after having surgery in the offseason.
“First things first is his health, and we want to make it safe for him,” he continued.
“It’s a long preseason which enables him to go through that process, and he’ll be returning in the next few weeks.”
Midfielder Abel Walatee has also suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury during what was a promising off-season.
“He was doing really well, but unfortunately he picked up an injury which has kept him out for a bit. Now, he’s sort of on the comeback, started a couple of training sessions just briefly.
“It’s unfortunate, the timing that he got injured, because he was doing really well. Now he’s on the road to recovery.”
With Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory the only A-League sides remaining in the Australia Cup, Kisnorbo dismissed talk of added pressure or pride, insisting his focus remained on his own team.
“I just worry about our team. I don’t focus on [the noise].”
“I just focus on our club, and what we do. We can only control our team, and that’s what we focus on.”
Sydney FC will take on Southern Districts Raiders FC in the Australia Cup Quarter-Finals tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the match can be purchased at Ticketebo.
