Cholakian key to Waratah Cup success
Manly United have an ace up their sleeve for the Waratah Cup final, with dangerous attacker Brednan Cholakian in their ranks.
The former Liverpool FC and Stoke City FC junior has been one of United’s most important players in the run in to the final.
Cholakian says the club always believed in success in the tournament.
“Going into the cup we just wanted to take one game at a time but we always knew it was a great opportunity for us to grab some silverware.”
United have had a tough run, taking on last years cup champions APIA Leichardt Tigers in their first match, followed by grand final winners Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
The 21-year-old says its worked for the team in a positive way.
“I think the hard run for us helped us in a way.
“With the win first against APIA and then against Bonnyrigg, they really boosted our confidence and willingness to win the whole thing”.
They needed a penalty shoot out in the quarter final to overcome SUPA IGA NPL 2 side Northern Tigers.
“We were all quite confident in stepping up to take a penalty.
“Again though, the amazing feeling to win at home on penalties against a good Tigers team really lifted us as a squad to continue pushing through the cup.”
In the semi final, United had to travel down the Coast to take on the South Coast Wolves.
“I think the game plan we took into the Wolves game really worked for us and we felt like we owed it to them after our disappointing league loss to them.”
Manly made their presence felt, securing a massive 4-1 win a booking a place in the final.
“We took our chances well that night which made it easy for us to control the game.”
With United already beating finals opponents Blacktown City this season, Cholakian is aware that the Cup is different.
“A Cup game can be different to a league game so we won’t underestimate Blacktown City even though we already beat them this year.
“They are a good team who play good football but we will be ready to go out there, play our game and battle hard to lift that cup.”
Cholakian admits it would be massive for Manly to lift the title.
“It would mean a lot to not only the club who has put in a lot of effort and the players who have played with pride but also a reward to the great fan base of Manly United and the Manly Warringah Football Association.”
The youngster added that a Cup victory would be a personal milestone.
“Personally, it would be a huge milestone in my career to win the Waratah Cup with a bunch of players that have been working hard for each other."
-By Nikola Pozder
