Long way to go as Konestabo talks up Premiership chances

After two statement victories we spoke to NWS Spirit FC star Michael Konestabo about his outstanding season leading the league table. 

Spirit will head into Round 26 in sensational form, being the only side in the competition to win their five matches on the bounce.

Even more impressively, their last two victories have both been against two of the top four sides, beating Rockdale Ilinden 6-3 and then thrashing Marconi Stallions 5-0 away from home.

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” said Konestabo on the pair of wins.

“These two teams are at the top of the league every year, so to take six points away from those games was a remarkable achievement for us – especially at the Palace.

“Team morale was very high going into that game and we have been playing with a lot of confidence, and I think that showed.”

Konestabo was crucial in those two matches, with the attacking midfielder scoring against Rockdale before netting a brace when facing Marconi.

With a sensational 14 goals in 21 league games this season, it’s been a season to remember for Konestabo.

“Scoring is always a great feeling, but it makes it a lot easier when you have great players next to you,” said the humble attacking midfielder on his last three goals and campaign so far.

“Takumi Ofuka and Yu Okubo have been a pleasure to play with so far this season.

“Having them around me has given me the opportunity to push forward, searching for more goals.”

Now three points clear at the top of the league, and with the rest of the top-four beaten across the second half of the campaign, the Premiership is in Spirit’s hands across the last five matches of the season.

“The mood in the change room is at an all time high,” said Konestabo.

“Of course it’s amazing being at the top of the table, especially when we were not expected to be there.

“In saying that, there is still a lot of work to be done and we will take it week by week.”

Meanwhile, when asked about what winning the Premiership would mean, Konestabo gave a thoughtful answer, highlighting the sensational rise of NWS Spirit over the last few seasons.

“It would mean everything,” he said.

“That’s why we play the game – to win Premierships.

“To be able to do that with this club would be an amazing achievement.

“Being promoted only a few seasons ago, to now currently being top of the league, it’s a great feeling.

“But, as I said, there is still so much work to do.

“We need to stay focused and take it week by week.”

Spirit will take on Sydney Olympic at 5:30pm on Saturday evening, with a win keeping them three points clear for another week.

Watch the game at Christie Park, or live and free on Football NSW’s YouTube Channel.