Balga FC | 2019-2020 Macron SFL WA Preview

Michael Dudek, signing of the summer? Striker or flanker? We don’t care and neither will Balga as Matt Dudek proves blood is thicker than silverware.

Now to more pressing matter, can they keep hold of Luqmann Sayyed? Murdoch approached him for the WA Invitational and the Sunbirds used him for SFWA. With the press in fashion speed is a valuable commodity. That’s the big question for Club President Matt Dudek, now to fend off the vultures and outdoor clubs circling.

Still, a spirited showing in their debut season with notable results against a few of the heavyweights give Balga a lot to look forward to in their second campaign. Luqmann Sayyed was the star, but Gabriel Kieswetter brought goals and a highlight reel of his own. Graham Dixon showing quick feet for a big man and Mark Higgins made the #1 shirt his own between unscheduled maintenance work at the Pro Futsal Centre. He’ll be key to steady the ship, even if Michael Dudek plays SFL.

Can they strengthen? Two more teams mean more competition for resources in the SFL this season. Firmly entrenched up North with the newbies coming in from Byford and Canning means they still have the edge. Recruitment could prove key if 8th is the benchmark or a landmark to overtake. There have been rumors about Chris Andrews and Gideon Servatius playing this season. Is Sean Byrne done overseas yet? Can they fish out a few gems from the Northern Leagues? A cheeky word between Matt and Michael Dudek at Sunday dinner worked after all, and Luqmann came outta nowhere. You wouldn’t bet against their next idol being cut from the same cloth. Your move Balga.

STAR MAN: Luqman Sayyed
Twinkle toed and an Allstar in his maiden season. Pace to burn and goals from everywhere were the firebrand’s calling card. He turned down offers from league heavyweights in January last season to stick with the men in green. With pace and youth on his side you’d have to say he’d fit in at Murdoch. Then again more pressingly the young flanker may find himself at the crossroads everyone faces at some point, to indoor or outdoor? That is the question.

ONE TO WATCH: Gabriel Kieswetter
With little fanfare and no end of goals, the burly target with the shimmy and shot quietly racked up the goals, Balga proving they certainly weren’t shot shy and racked up the goals. If Luqmann goes or tags out of futsal for a spell Kieswetter may be the one to take the plaudits going into 2020.