Sydney FC star Leena Khamis returns to the Westfield W-League squad for this weekend’s clash with Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Sydney FC star Leena Khamis returns to the Westfield W-League squad for this weekend-s clash with Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The prolific striker has been plying her trade in Denmark, where she was able to broaden her football horizons.
“Scandinavian football is more direct. In Australia we try and get the ball down and play on the ground a bit more,” she observed when asked about the differences in styles.
“It was very different in terms of football, but also climate – it was much colder! The team (Fortuna Hjorring) was great, though.”
“I played four champions league games as well, which added even more to the great experience.”
Khamis- previous experience of the Westfield W-League put her in good stead to compare the two leagues in terms of structure.
“It-s similar in terms of quality. There are the top two or three teams that are very competitive.”
“The Champions League was obviously of a higher standard,” she continued, “but the biggest difference is the longer season.”
Her return to Sydney FC is a huge drawcard for the televised match against Adelaide United and Khamis is match fit and ready to pick up where she left off.
“I followed the results and got live updates of every game!” she said of her time overseas.
“I-m really excited to play, I-ve missed playing with these girls. I-ve played with them for so many years and I really enjoy playing in the Westfield W-League.”
The Sydney FC side have missed Khamis- clinical finishing and eye for goal in the past few weeks and the Australian international is keen to add a bit of spark to the team.
“I scored a few goals in Denmark, so I-m hoping to carry on that form here,” she commented.
Alen Stajcic-s side are right in the thick of the action towards the top of the table and Khamis- return is timely in their push for top spot.
“It-s going to be a really tight season. We-re half way through and we can-t afford to drop many points because the teams are so evenly matched.”
“If we keep improving every week and work on our finishing, we-ll be right in the mix because we-ve been playing really well.”
Adelaide United v Sydney FC
Hindmarsh Stadium
Saturday, November 26
Kick off: 3pm AEDT
Coverage: LIVE on ABC 1
