[Images: Patrick Kearney/Football Queensland]
Redlands City Futsal Club are clear on their ambitions for the fast-approaching SEQ Futsal Premier League season: to go all the way.
Ahead of Saturday’s opening fixtures away to Bundaberg Wildcats, experienced Puma F-League players Andre Barbosa and Ashleigh Bucknall outlined their lofty goals at senior level.
“We hope to finish on top,” Barbosa said.
“We’re not in the competition just to be part of it, we’re playing to compete and play the best futsal we can and hopefully win it.
“I think the strongest (men’s teams) may be between South Brisbane and Sunshine Coast, but Bundaberg have been playing together for a long time as well so it will be a challenge.”
Bucknall, a Puma F-League championship winner with Galaxy FC, is likewise targeting more silverware for her trophy cabinet.
“Ultimately our aim would be to win the league and to have a successful season,” she said.
Part of The Gap FC’s all-conquering PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s football team, Bucknall has realigned her allegiances for the new SEQ Futsal Premier League.
Turning out for Redlands rather than opposing them outdoors will be a novel experience.
“It’s a little bit strange to be wearing a Redlands jersey,” she admitted.
“I’ve been playing for The Gap for five years and (Redlands have) been an enemy team so to speak.
“Andy (Greenland, the club’s Director of Coaching) has looked after us so far and we’re really happy to be part of Redlands.
“I think (the new competition) is a great opportunity for players to continue in the off-season of the F-League to keep that standard high.
“Also for the players that are looking to join the F-League it will be a great stepping stone. It’s definitely an improvement for Queensland.”
