Younis: Bonnyrigg eager for redemption

Bonnyrigg White Eagles striker Robert Younis is eager to repay the club’s officials and fans with an IGA National Premier League NSW Men’s 1 championship.
The club lines up for their second Grand Final in a row this Sunday at Penrith Stadium.
Younis admitted losing to the Marconi Stallions in the 2012 grand final was a source of motivation for the White Eagles in this year’s campaign and  said he cannot wait to get onto the pitch to make things right.
“I have to say Bonnyrigg is one of the best clubs in terms of the committee and the passion of the fans,’’ Younis said.
“They’ve done a lot for us players and it is time for us to repay the club.
“George (Mandic) sent a text to us last week to tell us to watch the video highlights of him celebrating after we beat Sydney United to reach the Grand Final.
“We all had a bit of a laugh tut that is what the passion of these supporters is about.
“Hopefully we can go out and do one better than last year.’’
The former Adelaide United striker has scored 18 goals so far this season with four in the finals series to date.
Despite the impressive goals scoring record, Younis said hitting the back of the net in the Grand Final would top off his season.
“I’m disappointed I didn’t win the golden boot but there is always next year,’’ he said.
“But to be honest I would rather score the winner in the grand final than win the golden boot.
“Before last season I hadn’t made it into a grand final for about 15 years.
“The atmosphere in a grand final is amazing and the buzz in the dressing room and around is very exciting.
“Grand final day is just something else – it is what you play for all year.
“To get there is an achievement in itself but to win it is just something else.’’
That’s exactly what Younis and the White Eagles have been planning to do all season.
Bonnyrigg started their season on fire leading the competition for several weeks.
But a string of poor results half way through the year saw them finish in third position.
After defeating the Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58 FC to reach the grand final their confidence is again sky high.
But Younis believes keeping the team grounded is important with just days left before the game.
“I think we have to treat it like just another game,’’ he said.
“Last year the nerves for the better of us. We had a couple of weeks off after winning the premiership and I think that left us behind the eight ball as well.
“We had the last week off this year but the training sessions have been intense and have kept us moving a lot before we taper off later on in the week.
“We can’t let the nerves get the better of us at all and hopefully we go in there and do one better and bring the trophy back for our club and fans.’’
-By Chris Georges