Sydney FC have started their recruitment for the new Westfield W-League season with the signings of Westfield Matildas Danielle Brogan and Leena Khamis.
Sydney FC have started their recruitment for the new Westfield W-League season with the signings of Westfield Matildas Danielle Brogan and Leena Khamis.
The pair missed the Westfield W-League 2012/13 season with anterior cruciate ligament (knee) injuries, having both been members of the Sky Blues playing squad since 2008.
“It-s great to have two experienced players back in the squad,” said Head Coach Alen Stajcic.
“We were a very young team last year so bringing in some of the old heads will add strength and character to the squad, especially with Danielle who will be a great leader as our captain again.”
Brogan, who played a key role in mentoring last season-s young title winning squad, is delighted to be returning a playing role.
“It was pretty hard watching last year, especially when the team did so well,” she said.
“For me this year is pretty big because both times we-ve won the Championship I-ve been out with a knee reconstruction, plus I-d like us to be the first team to win back to back league titles.”
And after injury denied the 25 year old the chance to continue to lead the team on the field last year, she says it-s a job that holds no burden.
“I like to be one of the leaders whether I-m wearing the armband or not,” she added.
“Some people feel that pressure but it-s something that I actually look forward to and I tend to play better if I have more of a senior role.”
For Leena Khamis the opportunity of playing again after such a big injury has revitalised her.
“It-s feels like I-m 14 again,” she explained. “I am loving going to training and having the injury last year has made me hungrier than ever.
“I helped out on the coaching side of things last season but that has given me an extra edge to play this year, and hopefully I can take what Alen (The Head Coach) sees onto the field.
The 27 year old striker is also aiming at a return to the highest level if she can show the new Matildas Head Coach Hesterine de Reus what she is capable of.
“Firstly I just want to get my slot in the Sydney FC starting eleven back, and obviously I wouldn-t mind scoring a goal or two.
“I don-t want to set targets too high because this is my first big injury, but the national coach hasn-t seen me play yet, and if I can get a good season under my belt then I-d like to work myself back into that squad as well.”
The Westfield W-League 2013/14 season draw has thrown up some tough matches for the reigning Westfield W-League Champions, with doubles against the big guns such as Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar and Canberra United.
“Away to Melbourne Victory in the first round is a big early test for us,” said Stajcic.
“It-s always a tough encounter no matter who they have in their squad, but a Grand Final replay is a great game to start with.
“I-d still prefer to have two full rounds because some teams have lighter draws than others, but we-ll do the best with what we-ve got, as we always do.”
The Sky Blues will play the majority of their games at WIN Jubilee Oval in Kogarah and Wollongong-s WIN Stadium, while their home tie against Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium on December 15th takes place ahead of the Hyundai A-League match against Melbourne Heart.
“That-s a game the girls will really be excited to play in, in front of the home crowd but it-s great to be playing at two fantastic grounds like the WIN Stadium in Wollongong and WIN Jubliee Oval in Kogarah as well,” said Stajcic.
“We-re hopeful the Sydney FC fans will be able to get out there and support the girls wherever they play.”
The Sky Blues will be making further signings in the coming weeks ahead of the opening match against Melbourne Victory on Sunday 10th November 2013.
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