TURN UP THE HEAT

FNQ Heat striker MJ Nkiwane says an opportunity to secure a historic NPL Queensland grand final berth will inspire the club to find their best form in tonight’s semi-final against Gold Coast City at Barlow Park.

The noted goalscorer, who has recovered from a raft of injuries just in time to bring his flair to the finals, has declared it’s time to “Heat it up” and urged the community to show their support.

THIS one is for the fans. FNQ Heat showman MJ Nkiwane says a massive Barlow Park crowd will be rewarded when they host Gold Coast City in an all-or-nothing NPL Queensland semi-final showdown tonight.

The noted goalscorer, who has recovered from a raft of injuries just in time to bring his flair to the finals, has declared it’s time to “Heat it up” and urged the community to show their support.

“I feel like the crowd plays a massive factor. We need many of them to come along and we promise to give them much entertainment,” Nkiwane said.

“Definitely we need to heat it up. We need all the football supporters to come out to watch. We’re doing this for you in the end.

“We dominated the whole season and it was disappoint- ing to slip up like we did, so what we’re trying to do I guess is redemption for the fans and give it back for them and hopefully be winner of the whole tournament.”

The striker, while not underestimating Gold Coast City, who the Heat have never beaten, was confident of hitting the back of the net.

“If we defend better and score goals that will win you a tournament. We have to defend as a whole team,” Nkiwane said.

He is one of seven players, looking to avenge a home semi-final defeat at the hands of Olympic FC in the 2014 finals series. Jamie Carroll, Crios O’Hare, Josh Jennison, Kevin Ward, Tamas Maffey-Stumpe and Jamie Gosling were all part of the squad.

The Heat have been struck by an injury crisis in the leadup to the match, with Jamie Carroll, Bronson Koppen, Shaun Owens and Shimon Watanabe all under injury clouds.

Entry to Barlow Park is free.