Hakoah FC to play Melbourne City
Gidi Sweet will play in the biggest match of his life against reigning Football Federation Australia (FFA) Cup title-holders Melbourne City later this month.
GIDI Sweet will play in the biggest match of his life against reigning Football Federation Australia (FFA) Cup title-holders Melbourne City later this month.
Sweet is part of the Hakoah Sydney East City team that has qualified for the FFA Cup round-of-16 and will face Melbourne City in Sydney on August 29.
“It’s always exciting to play an A-League team and it’s great to put yourself up to the challenge,” Sweet told The AJN.
“No one thought Leicester would win the English Premier League, so anything is possible.”
Despite the daunting draw, Hakoah won’t back down from their David versus Goliath matchup against the A-League side who boast the likes of Socceroos Tim Cahill, Luke Brattan and Uruguayan forward Bruno Fornaroli.
A stalwart of the old National Soccer League, Hakoah president Michael Katz said the club will enjoy being back in the national spotlight.
“This match is the final piece of the puzzle in our return to the elite level after so many years,” Katz told The AJN. “Since the halcyon days of the ’80s, we have spent many years in the wilderness, before starting the meteoric climb from the fourth tier of the state to National Premier League 1 over the last five years, which reflects a huge amount of work from many people on and off the field.”
Only weeks ago, Hakoah lifted the state trophy – the NSW Waratah Cup – and will go into their clash with Melbourne City with confidence.
“The NSW Waratah Cup triumph, and now facing Melbourne City, shows we are truly back to the top level,” Katz said.
Having beaten several fancied opponents in the lead up to the final 16 clash before their thrilling round of 32 6-3 win, the Hakoah president pulled no punches, insisting the club is looking to continue their fairytale run.
“Of course Melbourne City is another level up from NPL1 (Hakoah’s previous opponents), but with a very motivated group of players, a great coaching staff and a vocal home crowd, we are looking to produce an upset and continue the fairytale.”
With a bumper crowd expected at the night clash, Katz is hoping the community will come out in force.
“Our major sponsor, Investec, is putting on a pre-game function and we have a lot of local and community boys playing, so we urge everyone to get out and support Hakoah in our biggest game in years.”
Hakoah will host Melbourne City on Tuesday August 29 at Leichhardt Oval at 7.30pm.
DANIEL SHANDLER
comments