Leena’s keener than ever
TOM SMITHIES THERE’S quite a few ticks on Leena Khamis’ resume, but that doesn’t make any difference to her hunger for more success.
After 10 years at Sydney FC, Khamis has won two premierships, been a W-League champion once and a Golden Boot winner as well. But the 31-yearold will start all over again today in the semi-final with Newcastle, as driven to win as she was on day one.
“That doesn’t change from year one to year 10,” she said. “I’ve had a few injuries along the way, and if that teaches me anything it’s to take every season as it comes. As a footballer you never know what’s around the corner.
“I play football because I love it, nothing else. I’ll play until I physically can’t anymore, but while I can contribute I want more and more.
“What makes this finals series even more alluring is the dreadful start Sydney had, losing their first three games under a new coach and with a largely inexperienced side. To be honest, I think everyone wrote us off,” Khamis said. “It felt like our worst start in 10 years, but funnily enough as a team we never lost faith.
“One thing I’ve noticed is that the league seems to get closer every year. No one was running away with it, you saw the top four was only finalised in the final round.”
In the other semi-final, minor premiers Brisbane Roar tomorrow host Melbourne City at Perry Park, with kickoff at 4pm.