Juric turns attention to Waratah Cup Final
Ahead of the Waratah Cup final, Football NSW spoke to Sydney United 58 head coach Ante Juric to preview the game.
With a 2-0 win over SD Raiders in the semi-final, Juric has taken his side to the final in his first season at the club – another impressive achievement for the legendary Australian coach.
“It’s always nice,” said Juric on reaching the final.
“We’ve still got to do the job, but it’s always nice to be in a final.
“Our next step is to do everything we can to win it, but as a club we’re proud to be back there.
“From my understanding, they won in 2023, so it’s a good record we’ve had in the competition.
“As a coach, I’m very happy to be there but the job’s not done yet.”
For Juric, coaching United 58 is an extra-special job, being his junior side, and one of the biggest teams in Australia.
“It’s a childhood club of mine – I grew up watching them as a teenager, so to be at the club is very special for me personally, and it’s a bit club in Australian football,” he said.
“Being at Sydney United 58 is a privilege and an honour, and I’m happy with how we’re progressing as a team.”
United 58 will take on Football NSW League One Men’s outfit Northern Tigers in the final, who have impressed this season, currently at the top of the table in their league.
While a division below United 58, they have shown their threat and quality in the semi-final, where they beat NPL Men’s NSW juggernauts APIA Leichhardt away from home.
“I’ve looked at them a little bit, they’ve obviously done well to get to the final,” said Juric on Tigers.
“Beating APIA is quite a tough task, and they did that well – I did watch that game.
“They’ve got some dangerous playing, they’re doing well in their league too, so they’re definitely going to be a dangerous opponent.
“It’s definitely going to be tough, but we’re ready and we’ll do what we have to do from our end to make sure we try and get this result and put a good performance in.”
For Juric, the 2nd of July is simply about performing to their highest level, with the victory coming as a result of a strong performance.
“Winning is always important in these high levels of sport,” he said.
“But for me, we just have to do everything we can performance-wise.
“If we perform well, whatever happens happens.
“In saying that, the club has a lot of history, so to get another title for the fans, club and players would be special in that way.
“But again, I just want to perform well, showcase what we have and whatever transpires from that transpires.”
Following his side’s disappointing 2-0 Round 21 loss in the NPL Men’s NSW competition to the NWS Spirit FC, Juric is hoping for redemption as the club sets its sights on clinching a trophy they know too well having won it six times.
The Waratah Cup final will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, the 2nd of July at Valentine Sports Park, with the match, as always, also available live and free on Football NSW’s YouTube channel.
Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event.
Waratah Cup Final – Wednesday 2nd July 2025 at Valentine Sports Park (Field 1)
Sydney United 58 FC V Northern Tigers FC
Gates Open at 6:30pm
Kick Off at 7:00pm
There will be NO Pass Outs
Food and Drink will be available to purchase on the Concourse and at the Kiosk
