Words: Staff Writers
Image: Ray Gardner/Redlands United FC

Redlands United Technical Director Matt Chandler has welcomed the challenge his club will face against Olympic FC in their looming Westfield FFA Cup Qualifying tie.

The Red Devils were drawn at home against their PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland rivals in Brisbane Zone Qualifying Round 5 on Thursday and, despite being winless so far in the league this season, Chandler believes his club can rise to the occasion.

“Some might think we’re a bit unlucky to draw another NPL team so early in the qualifying rounds but this is just another chance for the boys to prove themselves on the field,” Chandler said.

“Every time one of our teams step out on the field they aim to improve on previous performances and this match is no different.”

Despite the hype surrounding the competition and the possibility of live television coverage in the later rounds, Chandler said Redlands wouldn’t sacrifice its long-term philosophies for cup glory.

“Our aim is to play some good football and if we progress to the next round that’s fantastic but we’re not under any pressure,” he explained.

“The important thing is that our players continue to give their best on the field and believe in their abilities and to have this opportunity in front of our home crowd is brilliant.”

“We’ve got a reasonably young team this season who have some fantastic football abilities and the club’s focus is on developing these boys into reaching their future potential,” Chandler concluded.

Redlands are expected to welcome back classy winger Nico Bechar ahead of their Westfield FFA Cup commitments following the Frenchman's summer stint in New Zealand.