UNITED DISCOVERS NEW STRIKE STAR
NORTH Queensland United has uncovered a young game breaker before their maiden National Premier League campaign after Masimango Omari bagged a brace in Saturday’s 2- 1 trial win at Cairns FC.
The 17- year- old ( pictured) proved d the difference after coming off the bench in the second half to virtually seal his place in the official NPL squad to be finalised this week.
Omari’s curling left- foot strike found the top corner to open the scoring in the 64th minute, before the hosts levelled scores through Shaun Owens 15 minutes later.
But Omari made Cairns pay for a wayward back pass in the 90th minute to seal the victory.
Omari played for Townsville Warriors last year and North Queensland United coach Michael Brooks is confident he can give his squad some x- factor.
“He made a big impact off the bench,” Brooks said.
“Having been a coach in the Premier League ( with MA Olympic) last year I caught glimpses of him and thought quite highly of him then, so when he decided to come down and trial I was quite excited and he’s proven why he should be there.
“His speed’s his real weapon, but for a young character he’s quite football smart and has really good skills as well.”
Brooks used the match to rotate players, but will use Saturday’s return trial in Townsville as a more serous preparation for the season.
“I’ve got to finalise our squad by Friday. Some players in the squad ( who played on Saturday) won’t be there and some are away as well,” Brooks said.
“We’ll try and give more minutes to players in their positions, rather than rotating people around.
“The result was never really a major issue but we travelled up on a four- hour bus ride, basically stepped straight into the dressing room to play in very hot and humid conditions and they played very well.”
NQ United 2 ( Masimango Omari 64’ 90’) d Cairns FC 1 ( Shaun Owens 79’) at Southside Comets FC.