COAST’S FFA CUP HEROES
“THIS is the biggest game any of us have ever been involved in.”
Those are the words of Coomera coach Steve Macdonald as he prepares to lead his side on to the national stage when the Colts take on NPL side the Magpies Crusaders FC in their round of 32 FFA Cup match tonight in Mackay.
Coomera, who had players head to Oxenford’s Movie World this week in a bid to tap into the magic of their super heroes, now go where they’ve never gone before and will represent the Gold Coast in a national knockout competition that started with 732 teams.
To put into perspective the efforts of the club’s players, made up of students, teachers, ride operators and tradies, a win could land the Gold Coast Premier League side a clash with an A-League club.
While Macdonald acknowledges the significance of the match, he insists his underdog side are not feeling the heat despite the winner advancing to the competition’s final 16.
“A lot of people have asked me if I’m nervous or confident but I’m not really sure. I’m just excited at the moment,” he said. “I might get a bit nervous (tonight) but I think they (the opposition) will be as well because we’re both fighting to get somewhere neither of us have been before in the final 16.”
In a big blow for the Coast side, Coomera will be without three of the men who have helped them progress this far. Captain Mark Ingerson is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, defender Michael Townsend is in the UK and midfielder Matt Hughes is out with injury.
Yet Macdonald is adamant that the side he fields tonight will still be able to get it done.
“I firmly believe our boys have what it takes,” he said.
“We have full belief in our system and what we want to do. I’ve watched a few of their (Magpies’) videos and watched them live but we’re going to make sure our house is in order first.”
Macdonald said the excitement he felt extended to the playing group and the club more broadly.
“We played Nerang during the week last week and I sent a message to the boys the following morning saying it’s time to get excited now,” he said.
“It’s been a long time since our last FFA Cup match so I’ve told them to take it all in because there’s a chance we won’t get to this stage again.”
Despite never travelling more than 40 minutes down the M1 in their Gold Coast Premier League season so far, Macdonald said his team would thrive on the opportunity to head north.