De Oliveira embracing the big stage as Sydney United chase Waratah Cup success

Sydney United 58 midfielder Carlos De Oliveira says playing in matches that matter is exactly why players join a club with such a rich history, with Wednesday’s Waratah Cup Final providing another opportunity to compete for silverware.

For De Oliveira, representing one of New South Wales football’s most successful clubs comes with high expectations, but they are expectations the squad embraces.

“Sydney United are a very proud club with a rich history of winning trophies, and it’s a really strong club,” he said.

“We want to be playing in big games, big finals, and playing for trophies.”

That winning mentality has helped Sydney United 58 put together another impressive campaign, and while the focus has largely been on the NPL Men’s NSW season, De Oliveira says all attention has now shifted to lifting the Waratah Cup.

“We’ve had a good season so far and now we need to switch our attention and concentrate on the Waratah Cup Final. It is a very important match for us.”

Confidence is running high within the squad after another successful cup run, although De Oliveira knows previous performances will count for little once the final kicks off.

“We are playing with plenty of confidence and we know we can win the game,” he said.

“But everyone knows that form goes out the window in finals and anything can happen.”

Standing in Sydney United 58’s way is APIA Leichhardt FC, one of the competition’s most consistent sides and a team De Oliveira knows will provide a stern test.

“APIA are a very strong team with quality players all over the park. They’re strong in defence and they’re strong in attack.”

Despite the challenge, the experienced midfielder believes the focus must remain on Sydney United 58’s own performance rather than the opposition.

“We just need to worry about ourselves and if we do our job properly, we will be OK and we will win the game.”

Sydney United 58 booked their place in the final after overcoming Sydney Olympic FC in a dramatic 5-2 extra-time victory. Locked at 2-2 after regulation time, thanks to a double from De Oliveira, Sydney United’s experience and composure shone through as they scored three unanswered goals in extra time to keep their hopes of a ninth Waratah Cup title alive.

De Oliveira admitted there were valuable lessons to take away from the performance.

“The semi-final was a tough game and we took our foot off the pedal a bit in the second half. We should have finished off the game much sooner.”

The side recovered to book its place in the decider, demonstrating the resilience that has become a hallmark of the club throughout its successful history.

Now, with another trophy within reach, De Oliveira says the squad is determined to continue that tradition. For a club built on success, opportunities to contest finals are never taken for granted, and Sydney United 58 will be aiming to ensure Wednesday’s Waratah Cup Final is another memorable occasion in the club’s proud history.

Tickets for the match are now available, with fans encouraged to secure their place early as there will be no tickets sold on the night for one of the highlights of the NSW football calendar.

-By Joel Martelli