Sydney United 58 FC rising youngster Matthew Bilic is ready for battle as the Reds take on Tasmanian Premiers South Hobart FC in this Sunday’s inaugural NPL Final at Hobart.
Sydney United 58 FC rising youngster Matthew Bilic is ready for battle as the Reds take on Tasmanian Premiers South Hobart FC in this Sunday-s inaugural NPL Final at Hobart.
The 19-year-old striker has been one of the finds of the season for Mark Rudan-s men with the youngsters hoping to stamp his authority in this weekend-s monumental clash.
“To be playing in the first ever NPL final means my team is amongst the best clubs in Australia, and it’s exciting to know we could go down in history as the first ever national champions.”
Sydney United 58 FC reached the final after defeating Canberra FC 2-1 in round one of the competition with Bilic scoring the winner while last Saturday they were pushed till the end with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Olympic FC in Brisbane.
“It was a great feeling defeating Olympic FC as it was a very tough match as they pushed us till the end, but to come out of the match as winners we were all just so relieved.
Asked what his thoughts were on the NPL Finals Series, Bilic stated to Football NSW.
“I think it’s a great concept for Australian football and the game itself.
“The trip to Brisbane made the whole team feel very professional, and being one of the younger players in the team it was great to be in a professional environment and it is something I hope to look forward to in my up and coming years as a footballer.”
Sydney United 58 FC is going into the unknown this Sunday against their underrated opponents.
There-s been a lot of hype and press surrounding Ken Morton-s men who disposed of South Australian Champions Campbelltown City 3-1 as one thing-s for sure, the Tasmanian side will be out to make it a tough day for the IGA National Premier League NSW Mens 1 Premiers.
“I don-t know too much about South Hobart except that they are good enough to make it as far as we have.
“I’ll treat this match like any other.
“I’ll give everything of myself leaving nothing behind, and hopefully we will come out of the match as the Champions of Australia.”
One key factor that has played an instrumental in United 58 FC-s successful season has been that of the coaching efforts of Mark Rudan.
The former Hyundai A-League star capped off a brilliant inaugural season as head coach of the Reds taking out the 2013 Coach of the Year award at the recent Premier Leagues Gala Dinner.
Bilic had nothing but respect and praise for Rudan who like during his playing days, hated losing and loved winning everything in sight.
“Mark is a great coach.
“He has trained us to be winners and has never for one second doubted our ability to beat any team.
“He can be a tough character but I think all the boys like that because he always pushes us to get the job done, and we have had great success under his command.”
Bilic, who hit Australian football headlines in 2012 for being part of the 100 lucky players drawn in the Chance Finals hosted by the Nike Academy in Spain will be going out all guns blazing in the hope of being crowned Champions of Australia.
“I don’t think there is anything that could be more satisfying than being labelled the best team in Australia.
“We have already proved that we are the best team in the IGA National Premier League NSW Mens 1 competition, our next goal is to prove we are the best team in Australia.”
