Sydney FC Women’s stand in captain Princess Ibini has been around the club long enough to know that this season has been a very tough one on the injury front.
The Sky Blues have lost four major players to long term injuries and more than ever, have had to call upon the younger members of the squad to help get through the fixture backlog.
With two teenagers amongst the goalscorers last weekend (Maddie Caspers and Zara Kruger), Ibini sees their hard work at training paying off in games.
“Being only 23 myself and being one of the older players in the squad is crazy but our younger players are really working hard and pushing us.
“As you saw on the weekend, they got two crucial goals to get us the three points and I am so proud of them,” Ibini said.
“I see them working hard, I see them doing extras after training so it is nice to see them get rewarded.”
Last season in the Australia Day Big Blue clash, Ibini scored her first ever hat-trick in a 6-3 victory over the Victorians.
This time around she will be looking to repeat the trick but knows that it won’t be as easy, with Jeff Hopkins’ side boasting a number of Matildas in there including the likes of last season’s Julie Dolan Medalist, Alex Chidiac.
Despite the talent in their ranks, Victory haven’t quite hit their usual heights, but the Sky Blues winger knows that you cannot take them lightly no matter where they are on the table.
“It’s always very tough games against Victory and they have a quality side and you never know what to expect in these games.
“Teams always step up playing against Sydney so I imagine they will come out firing because it is a Big Blue and we need to be prepared and not underestimate them,” she added.
“We just need to keep doing what we are doing and not worry about them.”
Catch Princess and her side in action on the Australia Day Big Blue.
Match Details
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Liberty A-League Round 14
Friday 26th January 2024
AAMI Park, Melbourne, VIC
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
