For Sydney FC youngster Bernie Ibini it will be a special occasion on Sunday afternoon as he lines up against his former club the Central Coast Mariners.
Ibini made over 60 appearances for the Mariners after breaking through their youth ranks, however the Socceroo will have to push friendships to the side for 90 minutes as the Sky Blues look to continue their unbeaten start to the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.
“I had a good time up there but I’m just looking forward to the game on Sunday,” Ibini said.
“I still have a lot of close mates up there but I’m just concentrating on my time at Sydney now and I’m having a really good time here so I’m looking forward to the game.
“I think I’ve settled in pretty well, it’s been very easy. All the boys are great and having Arnie before has made it very easy.
“The Mariners had a week off last week so I’m sure they will be very fresh and raring to go against us,” he continued.
“They scored a late goal in the 95th minute I think it was so we’re definitely going to have to be able to play until the 95th minute against them.”
Ibini said that the arrival of Head Coach Graham Arnold held pulling power in his decision to join Sydney FC and spoke of the quality and depth the Sky Blues possess up front as he looks to cement a starting role.
“I think it was definitely a massive factor in joining Sydney FC [having Arnie as coach],” he said.
“But Sydney is a massive club and they have great ambitions here so I definitely wanted to be a part of that.
“Knowing Arnie he’s very motivated for every single game so and I think this will be no different really. He’ll want to win because we want to win every game.
“We have a lot of depth upfront so it’s definitely tough to get into the side,” he continued.
“My role is a little bit different, we’re still trying to find our best formation and our best players to play in which position so it’s a little bit different and we’re still finding our feet.”
It will be a reuniting of sorts as Head Coach Graham Arnold joins Bernie Ibini and Pedj Bojic in facing their former club when Sydney FC host the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
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