No Love Lost as Roommates Prepare for FFA Cup Showdown
For APIA Leichhardt’s defender Themba Muata-Marlow and Hakoah Sydney City Easts’ keeper Nick Loe, who live together, friendships will be put on hold as they prepare to face off in Round 7 of the Preliminary stages of the FFA Cup, with the victor qualifying for the national round of 32.
With both Muata-Marlow and Loe starting well with their respective clubs this season, notching multiple wins as they enter the middle stage of the season, neither were shy about the importance of a cup run and the consequential impact it can have on their regular season campaigns.
“It’s an avenue for momentum,” stated Muata-Marlow, with APIA sitting mid-table.
“We’ve seen in the past what a cup run can do. The years we’ve been up there in the league, we’ve normally gone on a cup run. It can have a huge effect.”
For Loe, he credited the cups’ ability to allow for squad rotation.
“I’ve only played one game during our run in this year. It’s a great opportunity for reserve players to get out there and prove themselves, which is important. It keeps morale high, which is what you need.”
APIA and Hakoah are no strangers to the FFA Cup. Both clubs have ventured into the depths of the competition in the past highlighted by APIA’s famous round of 16 victory over Melbourne Victory in 2018.
“For Hakoah, the round of 32 is always a target,” said Loe.
“The clubs’ always had big ambitions. This year, it’s to get promoted back to NPL 1 and to go deep in the cup. We’re one of the last NPL 2 sides left around the nation which is a proud achievement but we want to go further.”
Muata-Marlow believes that the FFA Cup is a great opportunity to showcase NPL clubs.
“A lot of NPL sides have great players that have A-League experience or are on the brink. These competitions give them and the clubs the opportunity to go head to head with the best and prove themselves, which is massive.”
As we enter the final round of the preliminary rounds of the cup, the boys both agreed that the potential for them to come up against each other was bound to happen eventually.
“When they [APIA] went past Northern Tigers we chatted about it and agreed it would be great,” laughed Loe.
“We haven’t played with each other since our days at Sutherland as 18-year-olds, so I’m really looking forward to it,” said Muata-Marlow.
“If you look at their [Hakoah] squad they have some fantastic players who have played within the NPL1 before, with tonnes of experience. We won’t be taking them lightly but at the same time, we don’t plan on taking any prisoners. We’ll be going for it from the word go.”
Loe and Muata-Marlow both agreed it would be tough to see one of them get through and the other not, however said they would relish the opportunity to make the last 32 with the potential of playing some of the biggest and best in the country.
“I love every opportunity to play A-League sides,” stated Muata-Marlow.
“It would be great to qualify and draw either Sydney FC or Newcastle Jets personally. Having played for both clubs in the past, it would be awesome to come up against old faces and fantastic players.
For Loe, he acknowledged how beneficial a round of 32 game would be for the Hakoah squad.
“If you look at our squad. There’s plenty of experience but a lot of young boys too. If we get through, I think an interstate trip alone, would be a great experience for the young boys but first we have to go get a result against APIA, which is something that I believe we can definitely do.”
Match Details
Wednesday 2nd June
APIA Leichhardt (NPL 1) v Hakoah Sydney City East (NPL 2) – Lambert Park 7:30pm
-By Joseph Esposito
