It's good to see football finally get the green light again, and the Wolves have something to prepare for.
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The side will head up to Popondetta Park on November 6 to face Mount Druitt in a FFA Cup round of 32 clash.
From what I understand, the Rangers have lost a few players, most notably their goalkeeper Carlos Saliadarre, who has been their captain and standout for many years so he will be a big loss. I don't think they've made big recruits so far, but up there they are always competitive and tough to beat, so it will be a challenging game. But I think the Wolves have more than enough quality to win.
It's a quick turnaround, but a lot of the boys have been doing training individually or in small groups during the course of COVID, so I'm sure they're in decent nick. And the adrenaline of a FFA Cup game should be enough to get them through.
I think every time we've been in the FFA Cup, we've drawn an A-League club, so this is probably our best opportunity to get to the round of 16. It's a strange one with COVID, the Cup hasn't been played the last couple of years, and the COVID restrictions may still affect travel. But I think the Wolves will be a great chance of drawing an A-League team next if we get through, because the comp will still be NSW-based from what I understand.
It's probably a funny feeling to play in the FFA Cup - with the way it's set up due to COVID - but I think once game day comes around, knowing that it's on TV or streamed, and watched nationally, that will give the players a big kick. It's different times but I think just being back playing football will everyone a bit of a buzz.
This is probably our best opportunity to get to the (FFA Cup's) round of 16.
- - Jacob Timpano
The November 6 clash will also give Luke Wilkshire a chance to unveil his new recruits. For me, Pete Simonoski is a big signing. When he's fit, he's one of the best forwards in the NPL and has been for a long time. When I was coaching and he was fit, he was the first name on my team sheet because he always delivers when he plays.
I think getting back Guy Knight and Nick Littler will bring some experience back into the squad, although they've got to get themselves in the same shape when they were here a few years ago. It's going to be tough, a couple of years on it doesn't get any easier, but if they can get up to speed, their experience will be valuable for the team.
I'm also really excited about Japanese defender Banri Kanaizumi, I think he's going to be an excellent recruit for the Wolves.
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