Paric ready for battle
Sydney United 58 FC face a tough test in Sunday’s Waratah Cup final against Blacktown City FC, but Stjepan Paric is confident that his team has what it takes to claim the trophy and deny Mark Crittenden’s team back-to-back trophies.
The 21-year-old spoke openly about the mouth-watering contest which is always one of the most eagerly awaited games of the season and as such should be very well attended.
“I expect it to be an all-out war because they got the better of us a few weeks ago and we definitely want revenge,” he said.
The side, according to Paric, under the tutelage of the experienced big match campaigner Mark Rudan has both the players and the coaching staff capable of knowing what it takes to win the big matches.
“The atmosphere is always fine within our club and we have the belief that we can win because we have quality, talented players and a great coaching staff,” he stated.
“We had a win on the weekend and as a team our confidence is coming back.”
For Paric himself the game is another opportunity to showcase his talents to a wider audience because the Waratah Cup final will be observed by many in the NSW footballing fraternity.
The humble and politely spoken former Westfields Sports High School graduate first came to attention when he signed his first semi-professional contract as a footballer with the South Coast Wolves.
He was then only 17 years of age and the connection was Trevor Morgan who doubled as coach of the Wolves and of Westfields Sports.
Paric has spent the last four years with Sydney United 58 FC, a club he played with from the Under 8s level until the Under 13s.
It’s a natural home for him given his background but despite his great love and respect for the club, he would dearly like to try his luck in the Hyundai A-League or even abroad if the opportunity presented itself.
“Sydney United is a wonderful club and I love the place, but if you are asking me about a personal goal then, yes,” he said.
“I would love to further my career in the Hyundai A-League and I would welcome a chance with open arms. The Hyundai A-League would be my preference but perhaps even abroad too.”
With the regular season PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 competition entering a crucial few weeks, Paric and Sydney United 58 FC will be very busy too after Sunday’s Waratah Cup final.
“We are one hundred percent positive about the run home and we know it’s important to get the maximum amount of points possible to qualify for the finals. Once there anything can happen really.”
-by Joe Russo
