Rockhampton plays host to last year’s Queensland State League champions on Saturday when Sunshine Coast FC come to town to face the newly formed Central Queensland FC and Joe Fenech, Head Coach of CQFC, says his players are more than ready for the challenge.

“The boys are very keen. They’re chomping at the bit to get on the park and start playing competitive football,” Fenech said.

Fenech's optimism is tempered though and he is acutely aware of the challenges facing the newly formed club, “For us the whole season is going to be a huge learning curve, however every team has big aspirations at the start of the season and we’re certainly no different.”

“The philosophy and vision I bring to the club is a possession based style but with a purpose as opposed to just knocking it around the back – it’s an attacking brand of football with a bit of flair.”

“We’ve got many young players and they are a bit light on experience, but we’ll make up for that with persistence and heart. Each of the boys is very keen to represent the Central Queensland region.”

“It’s going to be a tough league, but we are looking forward to it.”

Head Coach of Sunshine Coast FC, Kevin Aherne-Evans, was adamant his Sunshine Coast side will continue their QSL dominance in the National Premier Leagues.

“The standard that the club has set and its history over the past five years, it’s expected that we’ll be fighting for silverware at the end of the season,” Aherne-Evans said matter-of-factly.

“We’ve got the right kind of people here. Everywhere we go we want to represent the Sunshine Coast properly and in a professional manner.”

“We’re very confident and comfortable with where our first team is at. The experience we’ve got and the level of professionalism amongst the players gives us every confidence going in to the game.”

“The ability of our players to get the results when they matter has been second to none in the past and, if you don’t mind the pun, there is plenty of fire in the belly for this weekend.”

Aherne-Evans was adament that they weren't taking the CQFC threat lightly,"Joe is one of the most respected coaches in Queensland and he'll have his boys ready. He knows the champions are coming and we're expecting a really tough game."

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)