What the opposition say

Want the inside goss on the Pelada Cup Final? We talk to opposition coaches and captains.

The Pelada Cup Final is being played this Saturday at Lakeside Stadium from 3pm between Box Hill United and Bundoora United. We had a chat to opposition Captains and coaches to collect their thoughts on the biggest match of the season so far.

Heidelberg United

John Lioupas – Head Coach

Prediction: Box Hill on penalties.

The experience of Box Hill with their players having been in finals before will be an advantage; they would have routine, things they would normally do, and when you’re going into a final that assists you. For Bundoora it will be their first real final at this level and that may be a factor.

Ashburton Womens

Chris Michail – Head Coach

Prediction: Box Hill in normal time

Box Hill should be able to take it out, but if Bundoora have a full squad they will have a good shout and give Box Hill a run for their money. If not, Box Hill by a couple of goals in normal time. Box Hill will feel the pressure in being undefeated all season, so that could work against them as they will feel the heat trying to maintain that record.

Bundoora are a different kettle of fish; they have a squad which is a lot younger but also a lot quicker and with a full strength side could Box Hill keep up with them?

South Melbourne Womens

George Bakopoulos – Head Coach

Prediction: Box Hill in normal time

These are the two best sides all year; they’ve been consistent, have stood out all year, are somewhat equal and are the right teams to play off. It’s going to be a tough and quick game so it could go either way but I think Box Hill might just pip them, but football is a strange thing.

The fact that Box Hill is undefeated could work for both sides; Box Hill will be doing their utmost to keep that record while Bundoora will be desperate to be the first team to knock them off.

EAP Country

Isabella Scott – Team Captain

Prediction: Bundoora

It will be a very competitive and close game; both sides are really aggressive teams who won’t give up without a fight. Bundoora will win in normal time in a close match; they’ve got a stronger side, are very dangerous going forward and they are really good at keeping the ball and being effective with possession.

There are no individual stands out by themselves but they are a good strong unit with many key players. They also have the Bundy Army and that makes a difference as well!

Casey Comets

Ian Williamson – Head Coach

Prediction: Box Hill before penalties

I think Bundoora have improved this year, they are a very competitive unit and will give Box Hill a good run for their money, but the bottom line is that Box Hill have too much experience and physicality.

Their defensive squad of Bundoora has been quite solid and they have some players up front who can cause a bit of damage if given time and space. With the speed in the team they could cause a problem for Box Hill.

Cairnlea

Mustafa Fehmi – Head Coach

Prediction: Box Hill

Box Hill have a winning mentality, they never stop fighting. They have great players all-round and plenty of depth. They have some fast wingers to deal with Bundoora’s pace.

Their backline is also very good and organised – not many goals have gone past Box Hill this season and if you can keep the goals out you usually win.

Sandringham

Alina Kapusta – Team Captain

Prediction: Box Hill on penalties

It’s going to be close one and hopefully it comes down to penalties; that would be excellent to see. Box Hill will probably come away with the victory as they are sharp and quick and that could make the difference.