Gonzalez driven by unfinished business ahead of Waratah Cup Final

For APIA Leichhardt FC young gun Oscar Gonzalez, reaching the 2026 Waratah Cup Final is about more than the chance to lift another trophy, it is an opportunity to finish what the club started 12 months ago.

After falling at the semi-final stage of last year’s competition, APIA have returned with renewed determination and Gonzalez believes the squad is ready to win the final and claim the Waratah Cup.

“We want to go one step further after losing the semi-final last season. Franco (APIA Leichhardt FC coach Franco Parisi) spoke to us about the importance of the Waratah Cup and going on to win the final,” Gonzalez said.

That ambition reflects the standards set within the club, where success is expected across every competition.

“The goal at APIA is to win every game and play for trophies every season. We are a big club with a proud history of winning trophies,” he said.

“We want to have a good run in the Australia Cup each season and play finals football every year.”

Those lofty expectations have been matched by performances on the field, with APIA enjoying another impressive NPL Men’s NSW campaign heading into Wednesday’s decider.

“We’ve had a good season so far and we are very confident as a team heading into the Waratah Cup Final.”

Confidence is also high on a personal level after Gonzalez produced a match-winning display in the recent Waratah Cup semi-final against SD Raiders, scoring twice as APIA controlled much of the contest to reach their second Waratah Cup Final in three seasons.

“I am feeling confident after scoring two goals in the semi-final. As a team, we know we can play good football and we have a lot of players that can score goals.”

Standing between APIA and silverware is long-time rival Sydney United 58, a side Gonzalez holds in high regard.

“Sydney United are a very good team. They’re defensively strong, they’re good in attack and they have midfielders who can score goals,” Gonzalez said.

“They are a very tough team to play against. It is always a difficult game every time we play Sydney United.”

The two clubs met in the 2023 Waratah Cup Final where Sydney United emerged 3-1 winners and also recently faced off in the NPL Men’s NSW competition, and Gonzalez expects another hard-fought game with a trophy on the line.

“It was a tough game when we played against them earlier in the season. It is a big rivalry and it will be a fiery game.”

While the rivalry adds another layer of intrigue, Gonzalez believes APIA’s focus must remain on producing the brand of football that has brought them success throughout the season.

Backed by confidence, attacking quality and the desire to erase the disappointment of last year’s exit, APIA enter the match determined to add a sixth Waratah Cup trophy to the club’s impressive collection of silverware.

For Gonzalez, Wednesday’s Waratah Cup Final represents the perfect chance to turn the lessons of last season into success and help deliver the silverware that remains the ultimate objective at APIA Leichhardt FC.

The young gun who has taken the NPL Men’s NSW competition by storm has caught the attention of several A-League suitors with the Newcastle Jets leading the way in securing the signing of one of the league’s hottest prospects.

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