El Hafiane ready for Perth SC

It will be a memorable debut for PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 side Rockdale City Suns as they prepare for their first ever Westfield FFA Cup showdown in their round of 32 clash against Perth SC in August.

It will be a big occasion for the well supported Suns who will be expecting a full stadium when the Western Australian side makes the long trek across the country to Illinden Sports Centre.

El Hafiane can’t wait for the match as Australia tries to replicate other historic Cup competitions across the world.

“It’s exciting to be part of a big tournament.

“Cup competitions have a lot of history like in England with the FA Cup so we’re trying to do that here now, I’m really looking forward to it.”

What was supposed to be a routine win, the Suns were almost knocked off by St George Association side Aurora FC in the opening round of the Westfield FFA Cup where they needed a penalty shoot out to progress.

This victory shaped the Suns further passage towards the latter stages of the Cup competition.

“That was a tough game, the ball just didn’t want to go in that night.

“We dominated, their keeper had a fantastic game and thankfully the boys held their composure in the penalty shoot-out for us to prevail.

“After that match we changed our way of playing, we were more ruthless in the final third, defeating the likes of Sydney University and Sutherland Sharks.”

The Suns opponents are right in finals contention in the PS4 NPL Western Australia, sitting well inside the top five.

Experienced NPL coach Taki Nicolaidis takes his Perth SC side to Sydney in the hope of causing an upset against Paul Reid’s squad.

Rockdale will need to be weary of 19-year-old in form striker Nick Ambrogio as well as Reece Vittiglia who is no stranger to finding the back of the net.

El Hafiane respects his opponents but believes his side should be able to overcome Perth SC and progress to the round of 16.

“We’re looking forward to versing a team of a similar quality in the Top Tier competition in Western Australia.

“Hopefully we can go through, get a good draw and do really well.

“We’re in good form, everyone’s playing well and we should be able to get through this round, I’ve got no doubt about that.”

El Hafiane commended his clubs supporters and is certain there will be a big turnout of support.

“I’m certain there will be a big crowd, our fans at Rockdale always come down to support the boys.”

-By Nikola Pozder