Avondale’s FFA Cup run has Elvis dreaming of Hyundai A-League shot

The FFA Cup is littered with stories of major upsets and breakout stars from the NPL making their mark and getting a shot in the Hyundai A-League.

And there may be another fairy-tale story brewing out of Avondale FC.

The NPL Victoria powerhouse are preparing to take on defending FFA Cup champions Sydney FC on Wednesday night for a spot in the competition’s last four.

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But they also have a not-so-secret anymore weapon of their own in back-flipping winger Elvis Kamsoba.

The speedy and skilful attacker has caught the eye in wins over Marconi and Devonport in the first two rounds and will be crucial if Avondale are to pull off a major shock.

Another big performance from Kamsoba will not only boost Avondale’s hopes, but could also fast-track the African-born flyer’s dream of reaching the Hyundai A-League.

“I’ve always wanted to play against an A-League side. My aim is to perform and maybe someone out there can see me and maybe give me a chance,” Kamsoba told www.theffacup.cm.au ahead of the quarter final clash against Sydney FC.

“I think if I get a chance to play in the A-League I would be great there for sure.”

It’s a big statement but Kamsoba has never been short on confidence.

Kamsoba celebrates a goal in this year's FFA Cup.
Kamsoba celebrates a goal in this year's FFA Cup.

He’s also had to grow up pretty quickly, ever since his family fled war-torn Burundi when he was four months old, spending the next 11 years in a Tanzanian refugee camp.

It was there that Kamsoba fell in love with the game, honing his skills while playing in bare feet on the dirt fields.

Kamsoba and his family then moved to Adelaide in 2008 and within a few years he was making his mark in the NPL South Australia, before moving to Melbourne a couple of years ago.

And he’s been a revelation in the NPL Victoria with his individual flair and supreme confidence a feature of his game.

 “When I was younger I was even worse, because I was a hog,” Kamsoba says.

“When you are young you just want to take on players and score goals and that’s what I used to do.

“But as you play with a better group and with better teams, they let you know when you have to pass and when you have to dribble. I’ve always been that type of player that likes to take players on and score goals.

“For a winger, scoring goals and assisting goals and winning games, there’s nothing more you can ask.”

Elvis Kamsoba Avondale
Kamsoba's trademark backflip.

Avondale are likely to need every bit of Kamsoba’s brilliance if they are to pull off the ‘Cupset’ against Steve Corica’s side.

The Sky Blues have yet to play their best football in the first two rounds but have had a few more weeks training under their belt and could hand competitive debuts to new recruits Adam Le Fondre and Siem de Jong.

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But the hosts have weapons of their own, with Kamsoba joined in the front third by the likes of Liam Boland, Joey Katebian and Kaine Sheppard.

 “We might not get too many chances but every chance we get we have to take it,” said Kamsoba when asked how they can topple the Sky Blues.

“If we let them play they can kill you, so if we can stop them from playing and take our chances we can win. Why not?

 “We’re looking forward to playing against them. They are a big club but our boys will be ready to go against them, we’ll give it all we have and hopefully get a win.”