Mo Adam was a face in the crowd when Western Sydney Wanderers began their historic Hyundai A-League journey seven years ago.
From the club’s very first match against Central Coast Mariners, the Adam clan – including a 12-year-old Mo – followed the same ritual for almost every home game.
With his dad and a number of family and friends, they would board a train from Liverpool Station before arriving in Parramatta and join the Red and Black fans on their march to the ground.
“I have plenty of great memories from those early days, the whole experience,” Adam told the Wanderers’ official website.
“It was really amazing, especially inside the stadium with the amazing atmosphere. Of course, I really enjoyed the Sydney Derby.”
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Almost seven years since he began dreaming of being on the other side of the fence, Adam could get that chance in the opening game of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.
The 19-year-old, who has graduated through the club’s academy and scored against Perth Glory in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32, is eyeing a possible Hyundai A-League debut against the Mariners in Round 1.
“To be honest, it would mean the world to me to have my family and friends supporting me. Those who watched me from a little kid to who I am now,” said Adam.
“My family sacrificed a lot for me and the rest of the family. We came to Australia from Sudan via Egypt and it was tough going.
“It’s been a little tough here as well at times, so for me to be able to give something back to them would be great.”
Seven years ago, Mo Adam caught the train from Liverpool to Parramatta with his friends and family to watch the Wanderers play.
Little did he know that he would one day he would be taking to the stage: https://t.co/Abw6fHIItX #WSW pic.twitter.com/z26GEtBJKD
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) October 2, 2019
Hingert: The ‘toughest year’ of my career
Robbie Fowler’s arrival and an injection of fresh blood has Jack Hingert confident the future is bright at Brisbane Roar ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.
It’s been a refreshing period for the all-action right-back after enduring a nightmare 2018/19 campaign with the club.
Not only did Roar struggle on the pitch to finish in ninth spot, he also ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament which has kept him out for almost nine months.
“It’s probably been the toughest year of my career to be honest.
“But I’ve just been lucky that I’ve had a great support staff around me with my partner, my family, my friends, my teammates and the club,” Hingert told AAP.
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“It is a bit frustrating because when a new coach and new players come in you want to show everyone what you can do and the kind of player and person you are.
“It’s been tough sitting on the sidelines and not being able to show what I can sort of do but I did have that experience with Robbie where I played with him at North Queensland Fury so we did already know each other previously.
“It was very interesting day one of pre-season walking in to the changing room and seeing so many new faces.
“It was a bit strange but it’s also been great. It’s very refreshing for us and the club.”
Davila immersing himself in Maori culture
He admits he’s struggling a little with the cold weather but Wellington Phoenix recruit Ulises Davila is certainly settling into life in New Zealand.
And he’s even learnt the famous haka.
“I think it wasn’t that bad,” Davila told reporters on Thursday.
“We had a Maori person come and teach us… I think I wasn’t that bad in doing the haka.”
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🗣️ ''It's a great opportunity for me and the group to make history and try win the @ALeague Championship here at Phoenix.'' – @uli_davila on the team's ambitions ahead of the first game, Sun 13 Oct at @WestpacStadium.
📺 Full video 👉 https://t.co/n0GKTf9jat#StandUpWithYourNix pic.twitter.com/H3niAYQ4tK
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 3, 2019