Richter Bounces Back For Strikers
Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images
Winger Jonti Richter has won his latest battle with career-threatening injury to re-sign with Brisbane Strikers for PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016.
Richter’s rehabilitation from a season ending anterior cruciate ligament injury last year is not yet complete, however Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans has shown faith in the 32-year-old former Hyundai A-League player’s drive to return.
The foundation Queensland Roar player joined Strikers in 2009 and despite an injury plagued run in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland has scored 11 goals in 28 appearances in the national second tier for the club.
Richter admitted his run of injuries in recent years has tested his belief but never his motivation to return to the pitch.
“You go through the ups and downs, the emotions of another season being ruined and having to have another operation and you do realise there are other things outside of football that are more important – like my family”, Richter explained.
“But the reason I am back is because I still have that desire to play the game at a competitive level.”
“For me it’s not about going and playing park soccer with your mates – as fun as that sounds. I live for the competition, of testing yourself and trying to play at the highest level that you can, and for me now that is the NPL.”
He added, “I didn’t want my last memory on the football pitch to be of crawling off on my hands and knees in tears.”
A’herne-Evans was in no doubt that upon his return, Richter will provide plenty to a team he has already promised will score plenty of goals in 2016.
“In the three months that he was in the group last year I thought that Jonti Richter was the best player that I have coached,” A’Herne-Evans said.
“He’s got everything that you’d want from a semi-pro player. He’s technically excellent and has a great work ethic.
“I just believe him as a player. We talk about all the other good attacking players that we’ve got – well, if they can get anywhere near a Jonti Richter then we’re going to be laughing,” he concluded.
Strikers continue their pre-season preparations this Friday night against Brisbane Premier League powerhouse Lions FC.
A summary of all the pre-season action for PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Men’s teams is available in the Pre-Season Hub - http://bit.ly/1Jospth
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