After last week becoming Sydney FC’s final signing for the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season, Swiss defender, Stephan Keller has turned his attention to helping his new side make a winning start this weekend against competition newcomers, the North Queensland Fury.
After last week becoming Sydney FC-s final signing for the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season, Swiss defender, Stephan Keller has turned his attention to helping his new side make a winning start this weekend against competition newcomers, the North Queensland Fury.
The 30-year old sealed his one year deal with a composed performance in Sydney-s final pre-season hit out against the Newcastle Jets a fortnight ago – having settled in quickly with the Sky Blues he-s looking forward to the real thing.
“This (Sydney) is a team that works hard and I think we will make a good start against North Queensland,” explained Keller. “He (Vitezslav Lavicka) is a European Coach so whatever we-ve done at training I-m familiar with. It-s not a big change, I think football is more or less the same everywhere in the world.”
The three-time Swiss international joins the Sky Blues after plying his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie. He spent the last two seasons with De Graafschap, playing 20 matches in 2008/09, but is quickly feeling at home in Sydney.
“All the players have helped me a lot during the move here. The CEO, Stefan Kamasz has been excellent, even helping me find a place for my children to go to school when they arrive,” the defender explained.
Moving his family halfway around the world was a big decision for Keller, however he is confident that they will be happy in Australia.
“It is hard with my family not being here, but they will be coming over in September,” he said. “Hopefully out of the European winter and into the Australian summer. I am sure they will enjoy it here.”
Keller is on track to make his Hyundai A-League debut this Saturday, August 8 against the North Queensland Fury in Sydney-s season opener in Townsville. He will be officially welcomed by the home fans at the SFS when Sydney FC hosts Adelaide United in round two of the competition on Sunday, August 16.
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