Konestabo hoping for a ‘Cupset’ on Sunday
NWS Spirit can add to what has already been a history-making season for the club by lifting the Waratah Cup against Sydney United 58 on Sunday.
This year, the side has already gained promotion to the National Premier Leagues NSW competition as well as earning a place in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup.
Star attacker Michael Konestabo believes that matches against NPL opposition like Sydney United 58 provide a taste of what is to come for Spirit in 2023.
“Sydney United are a great team, and this can just be a test for what we’re going to deal with next year and where we have to improve and how we can compare ourselves to NPL teams,” he said.
“We obviously have to respect them. We respect every team.
“We just want to play our football and show them what we can do.”
The side has already had some success against State top-flight opposition in 2022 knocking out 2019 Premiers Wollongong Wolves in Round 7 of the Australia Cup in June.
“That game just really proved that we can battle with NPL teams and that gives us a lot of confidence that we can do that going into the Cup final,” he said.
Konestabo explained how strength in depth will be key for the side this week.
“Having a good bench is very important, so it’s going to help us through this tough week we’ve got ahead,” he said.
“We have a lot of depth in our team as well, and we can mix it up.”
With the team still competing on multiple fronts including the FNSW League One finals series, Konestabo was excited heading into Sunday’s match.
“I think with the Waratah Cup, picking up silverware could be the first of a couple with finals coming up,” he said.
“It would mean everything. Any bit of silverware we can win, we want to take it.
“I think we’ve got a lot of positivity, especially with our unbeaten run in the league.
“I think the boys will be up for it, and hopefully we can go sing that song and lift the trophy.”
2022 Waratah Cup Final Details
Sunday 7th August
NWS Spirit FC v Sydney United 58
Blacktown City Football Centre
1pm kick-off
#WaratahCup2022
Football NSW would like to acknowledge Deploy Football, the official ball sponsors of the Waratah Cup.
