Queensland clubs Galaxy FC and South Brisbane Futsal are aiming to start their top four tilts in style when their Puma F-League Men’s seasons commence with a double-header at Eagles Sports Complex in Brisbane this Saturday.
The pair will both take on the highly-regarded Inner West Magic on the opening weekend of the sixth installment of Australia’s elite Futsal club competition.
Gold Coast based Galaxy finished fifth in their debut season in 2015 and will look to go one better this term, starting against the visiting Sydney side at 12.45pm.
Despite Inner West Magic boasting a number of Futsalroos, its a challenge first-time Galaxy FC coach Bruno Cannavan is relishing.
“I think there is no better way to start the league than against one of the title contenders,” Cannavan said.
“They have a few players from the Futsalroos that want to be on their toes for the World Cup, but we have been preparing since November. We have a new squad, we are training three-times per week – stronger than last season.
“We are pretty confident that we can do a good job in the league.”
Galaxy’s own stable of stars includes New Zealand international Lucas da Silva, former Futsalroos duo Renagi Ingram and Roger Cua, and Jack Wetney, who is bound for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup with Solomon Islands.
Cannavan says his desire for success has carried over since his notable playing career.
“If we are playing, we are playing for the top,” he said.
“I am pretty confident we can get one of the four spots to go through to the semi-finals. I also want to see my players doing well – who knows, maybe joining the Futsalroos.”
Fellow Brazilian Felipe Amorim, coach of South Brisbane, is likewise eager for his side to play their way into finals contention by building on last season’s improvement.
“The goal is to make the top four, otherwise I don’t think we should bother entering the competition,” Amorim said.
“Once you make the top four anything can happen. Anything is possible as long as people work hard and believe.”
When Amorim’s side takes to the court on Saturday it will be the culmination of around six months’ preparation.
“For the past four or five months we have been training hard weekly. We can’t wait to get to the court on the weekend,” the South Brisbane coach said.
“We had a really good session on Wednesday, everyone is buzzing, and everyone wants to test out everything we have been working on.”
PUMA F-LEAGUE – ROUND 1
Saturday, 21 May
Eagles Sports Complex, Mansfield, Brisbane
Galaxy FC v Inner West Magic
KO 12.45pm
South Brisbane Futsal Club v Inner West Magic
KO 4.30pm
