Symons itching for Waratah Cup success
APIA Leichhardt Tigers may be struggling to keep up with Blacktown City FC in the race for the PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues New South Wales Men’s Premiership race, but a Waratah Cup win could do wonders for their confidence heading into the finals.
The Tigers have been in impressive form despite trailing City in the league, and taking out the first major piece of silverware on offer this season would be a just reward for their performances this season.
Factor in the hugely impressive 3-0 win over Blacktown in the semi-finals and APIA star Sean Symons, who scored the first of his side’s three goals in that semi-final triumph, is confident his side would be worthy winners of the cup.
“We set out this season to win some silverware and I think we’ve been playing well enough this season to be up there,” Symons said.
“[Coach] Danial Cummings has been very good for us. He’s a good coach and I think he has bought a lot of professionalism to the club.
“He’s got out work rate right up there and he’s always very prepared so if the boys stick to the gameplan, we’ve got a chance against anyone.
“And if we can win a trophy this early in the season, it would give us a lot of confidence for the rest of the year.”
Hakoah Sydney City East FC stand between APIA and club glory and while the Tigers have already won twice against their fellow finalists in the league this season, Symons is expecting a tough game.
“We’ve already beat them twice, but they were two tough games,” Symons said.
“They are a very physical side and every time we play them, we know we have to be switched on because they’ll punish you if you’re not.
“They didn’t have [captain] Neil Jablonski last time we played them, so I think having him back will be a massive boost for them.”
Symons has already won a Waratah Cup with APIA as part of its last cup-winning squad from 2013, when the Tigers beat the Sutherland Sharks 3-0, and has thoroughly enjoyed his return to the club after spending a year away at Rockdale City Suns FC.
“I think this is my fourth year at the club all up, and it’s a great team to play for,” Symons said.
“But I think this is a great bunch of boys we’ve got this year and everyone is very committed and pulling in the same direction.
“We’re just really excited to get out there on Sunday and try and win the cup.”
2017 Waratah Cup Details
Sunday 9th July
Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Hakoah Sydney City East
4pm
Adults $10 – Concessions $5 – Children Under 16 FREE
*The game will also be LIVE STREAMED with expert commentary from Adam Santarossa via the PS4 NPL NSW Facebook page so keep your eye out on that when coverage kicks off at 4pm.
-By Matt Galea
