Attard focused on Sapphire Cup Final success

Ahead of what promises to be an exhilarating Sapphire Cup final, we spoke to APIA Leichhardt head coach Brad Attard to preview the game.

Attard’s APIA qualified for the final with a 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, with a late goal from Sophie Hoban securing a historic victory for the famous Italian club.

“Naturally, it feels great to qualify for a final,” Attard said.

“APIA’s a big club and we want silverware and the only place to get silverware is to make a final.

“So we’re happy to be there.”

APIA have experienced a mixed campaign so far as the proud club continues to put in the work in playing finals football this year.

While earning periods of good form, they have struggled for consistency in terms of results, but still have it all to play for as we enter the business end of the season.

“It’s been a bit of a turbulent campaign,” said Attard.

“We’ve had some great patches, at the start of the year to win the first three games, we went through a bit of a drought and then had eight matches unbeaten in all competitions which was really good and got the cogs in motion.

“But unfortunately, we just haven’t taken enough points.

“The finals in the competition are still the main focus and we’re looking to make a finals run late this year.”

But APIA have demonstrated their quality in big games throughout the season, namely against Sapphire Cup finalists Mt Druitt Town Rangers, where Attard’s side earned a comprehensive 2-0 victory in Round 17.

“The reality is they beat us 2-0 at the start of the year, we beat them 2-0 recently,” Attard said when asked if the recent win would give them confidence in the final.

“But all form goes away in a Cup final.

“It’s the best team for 90 minutes, over 120 or in penalties that prevails.

“We’ll need to be at our best to beat them.

“They’re a great side with plenty of experience but we’ve also got experience in a final – unfortunately losing a final – but we’ll be looking to capture the moments of the Sapphire Cup final and bring home a trophy.”

Meanwhile, with APIA facing a tough road to the final, Attard believes a win over the league leaders would be the icing on the cake of a successful tournament.

“It’s a great feeling to win any trophy,” he said.

“We’ve beaten four NPL NSW Women’s clubs to make the final – out of every single draw we’ve had an NPL  club, so it’s been a tough road into the final, and to win it against a quality side would be a great experience for the players.”

Should APIA prevail it will be the second time the Inner West side has tasted Sapphire Cup success after taking it out in 2023 in their victory over the Northern Tigers.

The Sapphire Cup final will take place on Thursday, the 17th of July, with the match hosted at Valentine Sports Park and the game available live and free on Football NSW’s YouTube Channel.