Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Moreton Bay United FC

FNQ Heat attacking weapon Mqondisi Nkiwane says Saturday night’s Westfield FFA Cup tie against rivals Northern Fury is about revenge.

Fury recorded their first ever win against Heat in the opening round of the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland season, prevailing 3-2 in Cairns.

Nkiwane, 20, has been hampered by a recurring ankle injury so far in 2015 but is expected to return to Heat’s starting line-up for the do-or-die cup tie.

He said there was no better place for Heat to make up for the earlier result than the highly charged setting of knock-out football.

“Definitely we are up for revenge. The whole team is looking to prove themselves and to make a statement,” he said.

“The first game we were unlucky to lose. There was a lot of tension in the build-up to the game and it was a great atmosphere.”

“We are looking always for a win (against Fury) and this time out, being a knock-out game, makes it even more spicy.”

With both sides averaging over two goals a game in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland, Nkiwane suggested a high-scoring affair may be on the cards with Heat boasting current PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Golden Boot leader Alex Smith.

“I think it’s going to be a tight game, but we should be able to beat them by two or more goals,” he said.

“I’m quite confident because we haven’t had any problem scoring goals this year.”

Nkiwane added that he personally revels in being on the scoresheet as often as possible and, with his fitness returned, he hopes to add to his tally against Fury.

“I love scoring goals and lately I haven’t had a chance to do that because I have been injured. That hasn’t helped because I’ve missed a couple of games and I thought I was in great form at the start of the season.”

While focused on Saturday night first, Nkiwane admitted Heat also have one eye on making amends for last year’s unflattering 4-1 exit at the hands of Sydney United 58 in the national Round of 32.

“I think we could’ve done better last time. But I think the conditions we were under, flying all the way to Sydney, and the weather as well wasn’t any help.”

“This year will be the year hopefully to prove ourselves and show Australia how we are as a team and represent Cairns.”

Despite the importance of Westfield FFA Cup results and the club sitting in the bottom third of the table, Nkiwane dismissed suggestions that PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series football was now out of reach for Heat.

“I think the league is still there for us and we’re still looking at finishing in the top four if we can’t get first place,” he concluded.

Fixture details:

Westfield FFA Cup - Qualifying Round 6
Northern Fury FC v FNQ FC Heat
Brolga Park, Townsville
Saturday, May 30
Kick-off - 7:00PM