With over fifteen years of European and Australian club football experience, Dutch journeyman Bobby Petta’s world of football knowledge has become an invaluable asset for Sydney FC as its youthful squad pushes towards a second Hyundai A-League title.
With over fifteen years of European and Australian club football experience, Dutch journeyman Bobby Petta’s world of football knowledge has become an invaluable asset for Sydney FC as its youthful squad pushes towards a second Hyundai A-League title.
Following his release from Adelaide United, the 34 year-old’s European experience and skill on the ball were enough to convince FC coach John Kosmina to throw Petta a career lifeline, signing the Dutchman up as an injury replacement until the end of the season.
“I am glad John (Kosmina) kept faith in me, as I didn’t have too many other options,” said Petta. “I-m happy with the opportunity I have been given whether I play five, ten, fifteen minutes or the whole game.”
Returning to Adelaide for the first time this weekend since signing with Sydney, Petta admits there will be nothing sweeter than helping the Sky Blues claim all three points against his former club.
“There are always going to be personal rivalries,” he said. “Obviously I played there for two years so it will give me extra motivation to do well when we play against them on Saturday. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Although the retirement of former FC captain Tony Popovic sent a shock through the squad last week, Petta believes Sydney is in good shape to reproduce its dynamic early season form as it looks to push back towards the top of the Hyundai A-league ladder.
“The spirit of the group has always been pretty good so everyone knows that when an important player like Popovic is out then the rest of us have to step up,” Petta explained. “There is still a long way to go and I can see us being in the top two by the end of the season.”
With the side well rested after the FIFA international break, Petta and his FC team-mates will be looking to repeat their early season triumph over Adelaide when they take on their South Australian rivals on Saturday night, with kickoff at Hindmarsh Stadium at 7pm.
