Sutherland Sharks FC have been a solid outfit in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW over recent years, but there is a sense of impatience around Seymour Shaw heading into 2017.
The Sharks are hungry for post-season football in 2017 and with coach Carlos Villazon set for his second season in charge, the club is hoping for an improvement on 2016’s seventh-placed finish.
The Coach
Carlos Villazon is entering his second season at the Sharks, with the coach being credited for being a new energy and style to the Sharks in 2016.
The transition has not been without hiccups, but the Sharks shown signs of improvement under Villazon.
Defence will remain his major concern after the Sharks conceded 40 goals in 22 games last season however will rely on the experience of their big defender Nick Littler who had a sterling year.
Objectives
If the Sharks can add goals to their possession-based football and add some defensive steel to their game, then there is no reason to think that Villazon’s men cannot go deep into the finals this season.
That will surely be the objective for a team representing one of the biggest footballing areas of the country and hungry for recognition in any upcoming Hyundai A-League expansion talks.
Having pinched Nathan Elasi back to the Shire as well as the exciting Kevin Lopes from Hakoah Sydney City East, the thirst for goals may roll through with these two key men.
Player To Watch
Tomohiro Kajiyama established himself as a firm fan favourite at Seymour Shaw in his debut season with the Sharks and after a year acclimatizing to his new surrounds, he will be aiming to take the competition by storm this season.
The Japanese star did not miss a game last season, scoring eight goals in the process and he will hope to smash the double-figure barrier in 2017.
Rising Star
Chris McStay managed to make 20 first-team appearances last season and the young midfielder is highly-rated within the Sharks set-up as he hopes to build on a strong 2016 and drive the Sharks’ drive up the table from midfield in 2017.
Coaches Comments
" I think Carlos’ vision is great and this season he wants to improve the transition moments in the game. We are trying to play a proactive and entertaining type of football that is possession-based. We’ve had a bit pre-season and the players are ready, we want to have a big season." – Allan Edmondson (Assistant Coach)
Ins
Nathan Elasi (APIA Leichhardt Tigers)
Kevin Lopez (Hakoah Sydney City East)
Wade Oostendorp (Mounties Wanderers)
Outs
Perry Moustakas (Bankstown Berries)
Steve Hayes (Wollongong Wolves)
Jordie Figon (Rockdale City Suns)
Lucas Stergio (Wollongong Olympic)
Andreas Gomez
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