They are making waves in the ACT, now Gungahlin United coach Claudio Canosa wants his young side to make its mark on the national stage in the Westfield FFA Cup.
Gungahlin have already surprised many by making the last 32 of the knockout competition.
Westfield FFA Cup round of 32 draw revealed!
But they aren't finished yet and are relishing the chance to take on NSW PS4 NPL club Sydney Olympic FC at home in a few weeks’ time.
The club is in their first season back in the ACT’s top-flight, making a solid start to sit in sixth position on the ladder.
They have also claimed the scalps of established clubs Belconnen United and Canberra Olympic on their run to the round of 32.
“It’s very exciting for us to be here,” Canosa told www.theffacup.com.au on Thursday.
“We are a new club in the ACT and we’re working hard to promote football in Gungahlin
“We have some good young players and we’re starting to get respect. I like my team to play good football and we are going to try to do as much as we can to compete.
“We are the underdogs for this match but we are confident we can do well. We just have to make sure we are prepared to play good, effective football.”
While the club was hoping to draw Hyundai A-League opposition in the opening round, Canosa knows Olympic will possess just as big a challenge for his troops.
Canosa played against Olympic many times during his playing days with West Adelaide and Morwell Falcons in the old NSL, so he is well aware of the club’s pedigree.
“They are one of the big clubs from the NSL and we will have a lot of respect for them,” the Argentine born coach said.
“It’s probably a good opportunity for both clubs to put their best foot forward in the competition.
“We recognize Olympic is a club with good players and strong history but we are excited by this challenge.
“Whenever the players have had a challenge this year they seem to be able to overcome it.”
Canosa says he plans to travel up to Sydney in the next few weeks to have a look at Olympic, who made the last 16 of the FFA Cup last year.
They are one of the leading club’s in the NSW PS4 NPL, currently in fourth position with Japanese import Go Shirai and brothers Michael and Harris Gaitatzis their key weapons.
