When Princess Ibini made her debut as a 15-year-old back in 2015, not even she could’ve imagined the career she would have in Sky Blue.
Nine years later and 144 games on from that first match, she now sits level with Teresa Polias for all time appearances for Sydney FC on 145 games.
This weekend, she has the chance to create her own history and sit at the top of the charts but for her it’s still unbelievable she has made it this far.
“It’s been a really long road as we also started with nine games a season so to be able to get this far in my career is very amazing.
“It is a massive honour, I honestly can’t believe it,” Ibini said,
“I’ve been in the game for a while so people may not think that I am as young as I am so it is just an amazing and incredible feeling.
“I am very, very honoured.”
This Saturday, the 24-year-old will take on Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium and after a tough run of recent results, will be looking to turn things around in her 146th match for the club.
Having had such an incredible career already, she took a moment to thank those who have supported her along the way.
“I just want to thank all the coaches and players that I’ve had along the way.
“I also want to thank the coaches for putting the belief in me and the players for trusting me as well,” Ibini continued.
“I’ll have a few friends come to the game and I am very excited to have them there.”
“As a 15-year-old you never really think too far ahead, you kind of just take it as it comes.
“To think back then what I have done now is just amazing.”
After Leichhardt Oval was deemed not to standard, the match has been moved to Allianz Stadium and now forms part of a Doubleheader with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s side with the men kicking off at 5pm and the women at 7:45pm.
Returning to Allianz, Ibini is excited to get back in front of the home fans.
“I love playing at Allianz.
“It’s a great field and honestly I just love playing at home,” she said.
“We always want to put our best foot forward so we will be doing everything we can to get the win and we’re preparing on the field and I’m sure we’ll get the job done.”
