Harbas hungry for success at Sydney FC

After a strong period of recent form, Sydney FC captain Alen Harbas spoke to Football NSW on the Sky Blues’ recent results, his time in Finland and the future.

Following a difficult start to the season, Sydney FC has become one of the most in-form sides in the league, currently on a five-match unbeaten run with three wins and two draws.

The Sky Blues are now 10th on the ladder, just two points off a finals place, as they go into the final match of the first half of the season.

“I think we’ve shown a lot of character as a group,” said Harbas on their campaign so far.

“There have been highs and lows, but overall, the team’s been building nicely.

“The intensity in training is always high, and there’s a real focus on development, which is massive for young players like me.

“We know what we’re capable of, and as the season goes on, I feel like we’re starting to hit our stride.”

And last weekend, Sydney FC certainly hit their stride, ending Blacktown’s run of five league wins in a row with a stunning 5-0 victory.

The Sky Blues’ win featured a stellar hat-trick from their captain, as Harbas netted three clinical goals with his right boot to help Sydney move two points clear of the top six.

“It was a special moment, for sure,” Harbas said when asked about his hat-trick.

“As a forward, you always want to make an impact, and to get a hat-trick in such an important game meant a lot.

“Credit goes out to the whole team, keeping a clean sheet.

“I was proud of the team’s performance.”

Beyond his hat-trick in Round 14, Harbas has enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, as the powerful striker continues to improve his game.

Part of that can be attributed to his experience last year, when he earned a move to FC KTP in Finland’s first division, giving him invaluable learning to take back to Australia.

“Finland was a great experience for me, both on and off the pitch,” he said.

“It was a different style of football – more physical, more tactical in some ways – and that really helped me mature as a player.

“Being away from home also taught me discipline and resilience.

“I’ve brought that mentality back with me, and I think it’s helped me stay sharp and focused this season.”

Back in the NPL NSW Men’s, Sydney have another major match this weekend, as they take on reigning Premiers Rockdale Ilinden with the aim of stretching their unbeaten run to six matches.

“We know the importance of every game and the fact that we need to be at our best week in week out,” said Harbas on the fixture.

“Rockdale are a strong team, but we’re confident in the way we’re playing at the moment, and we know that if we stick to our DNA and work for each other, we can get the result.”

Meanwhile, while concentrated on leading his team to success throughout the 2025 NPL Men’s season, when asked about his goals for his career – and making Sydney FC’s A-League Men’s squad, Harbas gave a strong, reflective answer.

“Definitely, that’s the goal,” he said on looking to reach the Sky Blues’ first team.

“I’ve had a taste of professional football in Finland, and now I’m pushing to take that next step with first-team football.

“I’m feeling confident in my form and development, and I want to keep building on that.

“I know there’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m focused, hungry, and ready to give everything to make an impact at the next level.”