Sydney United 58 chasing Championship glory after Waratah Cup success

Sydney United 58 FC coach Miro Vlastelica has urged his players to embrace the occasion and back themselves when they face APIA Leichhardt FC in Sunday’s 2026 NPL Men’s NSW Grand Final at St. George Venues Jubilee Stadium.

With the two sides having already produced numerous tight encounters this season, including Sydney United claiming the Waratah Cup against APIA, Vlastelica believes the previous results will count for little when the biggest prize of the campaign is on the line.

“It has been business as usual this week with the boys training hard,” Vlastelica said.

“We know it’s a big game and exciting to play in a Grand Final, and it’s always a hard-fought game against APIA. We have played them a few times this season, but those results don’t matter heading into a Grand Final.”

There has also been a growing sense of excitement around Sydney United 58, with players and supporters preparing for another major occasion after the club lifted the Waratah Cup earlier this season.

“There has been a good vibe around the club with the players, coaching staff, volunteers and supporters,” he said.

“Everyone involved with the club has been embracing the opportunity to play in a Grand Final.”

Vlastelica has encouraged his players to approach the decider with confidence, believing they have what it takes to overcome the Premiership winners.

“I told my players to be confident, we are a very good team,” he said.

Sydney United 58 defeated APIA 3-1 in the Waratah Cup earlier this year, while APIA won their first regular-season meeting before the sides played out a scoreless draw in their final league encounter.

But for Vlastelica, none of that will matter once Sunday arrives.

“Previous games against APIA do not count for much. A Grand Final is a one-off match and anything can happen on the day,” he said.

“Whoever turns up and owns the moments will win the match.”

That mentality could prove crucial in a contest between two sides that have been among the competition’s best throughout 2026.

APIA secured the Premiership and enter the Grand Final chasing back-to-back Championships, while Sydney United 58 have already secured the Waratah Cup and are looking to add the NPL Championship to their trophy cabinet.

Vlastelica knows the intensity will rise considerably on Sunday.

“It’s a big game. The energy, the intensity, everything will be at another level. Players are excited for the game,” he said.

Standing in United’s way is an APIA side Vlastelica has plenty of respect for.

“APIA are a strong, dangerous team with threats all over the park. We always have a hard-fought, tough game against them,” he said.

“Franco Parisi is a very good coach and APIA play good football.”

While Vlastelica believes there is always pressure to perform at NPL level, he feels APIA may carry additional expectations into the decider.

“Every week there is pressure to win, we are playing NPL football. But of course there is more pressure on APIA with them chasing back-to-back Championships and having already won the Premiership,” he said.

For Sydney United 58, however, the focus remains on enjoying the opportunity.

With the Championship just 90 minutes away, Vlastelica wants his players to embrace a moment that may not come around often.

“My final message to the players is to enjoy the moment and it is not every day you get to play in a Grand Final,” he said.

The 2026 NPL Men’s NSW Grand Final will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday at St. George Venues Jubilee Stadium, with tickets for the match now available.

-By Joel Martelli