Hoban chasing Sapphire Cup glory

Sophie Hoban has become an important part of the furniture at APIA Leichhardt and will have the opportunity this weekend to add the Sapphire Cup to what has been a successful season. 

APIA will need to recover and reenergise after a difficult semi final loss on Wednesday night to Bulls FC Academy.

“It’s unfortunate with the mid-week loss but luckily we have the Sapphire Cup to look forward too so we will put all of our focus toward that,” Hoban said.

“We will need to work on a few things we were lacking against the Bulls in the semi-final and get our act together.”

After securing the Premiership over the weekend and the first piece of silverware for 2023, Hoban says there is a sense of excitement in the camp.

“It’s really good.”

“We want our name on that trophy and we want to be the first name on the trophy.”

“We all love the club and we want to represent the club, do it for all our SAP girls who come and support us.”

APIA’s road to the Cup final was quite comfortable and Hoban knows this will be their toughest test.

“It’s been a steady run in the Sapphire Cup so far but this match will be our biggest test.”

With the Northern Tigers standing between them and the trophy, Hoban says her team will come into the game respecting their opponent’s quality.

The two clashed only a couple weeks ago, APIA coming out on top with a 2-0 victory.

“They got a red card early in that game and still put up a really good fight despite being reduced to 10,” said the attacking midfielder.

“They are a quality team so we will need to lift the intensity and taking nothing for granted.”

Match Details

Sunday 10th September

Leichhardt Oval

12pm

APIA Leichhardt FC v Northern Tigers

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR ONLINE TICKETS TODAY

NOTE: no cash purchases of tickets will be accepted on the day at the venue.

By – Nikola Pozder