The Brisbane Roar will be kicking goals both on the pitch and in the community during Saturday night’s home fixture against the North Queensland fury, donning pink to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The boys in orange will wear special pink wristbands for the Queensland derby in an effort to raise money and awareness for the national cancer prevention initiative.
Spearheading the team’s involvement is goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos, who will also wear a specially designed pink goalkeeper jersey and pink Nike boots during the match.
“We want to raise some money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and, more importantly, to raise awareness; it’s a great cause,” the Brisbane shot-stopper said.
“Obviously I’ll be wearing a pink top and these pink flashy boots . . . [usually they’d be] a bit too flashy for my liking, being a goalkeeper and all, but it’s for a great cause.”
“I’m sure I’ll get some stick from the boys but it’s for a good cause and I’m looking forward to it. If we can raise some money I’m all for it,” he said.
The Brisbane keeper has personal motivation to support the battle against cancer.
“It’s close to my heart. My fiancé’s mother had breast cancer and went through a procedure, and she’s a survivor,” he said.
“And my mum passed away from cancer, so it’s strong to my heart.”
One in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85 and the Brisbane keeper emphasised the importance of catching the disease early.
“It’s important for all females to get checked out early and hopefully prevent it rather than cure it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Theoklitos will do his best to prevent the cellar-dwelling Fury from curing their month-long winless streak with an upset of the Roar, whose impressive form sees them perched atop the Hyundai A-League ladder with 14 games remaining.
The boys in orange (and, tomorrow, pink) are unbeaten in their last eleven games, and have lost only one match this year, a 3-0 defeat against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
The game-worn pink memorabilia will be auctioned off after the game at Suncorp Stadium, with proceeds going towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
