Honda may debut for Victory this month
KEISUKE Honda could be set to make his first appearance in Melbourne Victory colours in an FFA Cup match in suburban Sydney.
The defending A-League champions have drawn former National Soccer League champions APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the knockout tournament’s round of 16.
Japanese superstar Honda, who signed a marquee deal with Victory this week, is due to arrive in Melbourne next week to begin training with his new teammates.
The next round of FFA Cup matches will be held on two nights over two weeks in late August.
Presuming he is in good enough condition and ready to play his first minutes since Japan’s World Cup exit, it could be the perfect setting for Honda to make his official debut for Victory.
If he does, the 32-year-old will likely line up against Tigers forward and compatriot Tasuku Sekiya, who is regarded as one of the most exciting players in the NSW NPL.
APIA Leichhardt, who won the NSL in 1987, defeated Port Melbourne 1-0 in their round-of-32 clash while Victory beat Perth Glory 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Melbourne City’s Luke Brattan has been given the all-clear after being taken to hospital during the club’s FFA Cup win over Brisbane Roar.
Play at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium was stopped for more than half an hour following a seemingly innocuous collision in the 36th minute involving Brattan and Stefan Mauk, who crossed from City to the Roar in the off-season.
Brattan slipped while challenging Mauk for the ball and appeared to cop an accidental boot to the head.
A Bruno Fornaroli goal in the last minute of extra time gave City a 1-0 victory.
The match looked destined for a penalty shootout but Fornaroli’s lash from outside the box was enough to book City’s spot in the next round, where they will host Newcastle Jets.
Steve Corica is set for a homecoming match in north Queensland after Sydney FC were drawn to face Cairns FC. New Sky Blues coach Corica was born and raised in Innisfail, just south of Cairns. Melbourne City will host ALeague rivals Newcastle.