WA Men’s State Team head coach Ivan Zuvela has confirmed his squad ahead of this Saturday’s challenge match against Tasmania.
Zuvela has named 22 players for the game at Inglewood United’s Proto DPS Stadium and upcoming fixtures later in the year.
While no players from New Balance NPL champions Bayswater City are available due to their Australian Championship commitments, the squad remains strong.
Olympic Kingsway have six players called up, while Perth RedStar and Perth Azzurri have five each.
Other clubs represented are Western Knights, Fremantle City, Stirling Macedonia and Dianella White Eagles.
“It was tough, as it should be. I initially had about 40 players and had to filter it down,” Zuvela said.
“I spoke to every single coach and to some of the players, watched the footage, and it was nice to see who was playing well.
“I’m delighted with how the players have wanted to be involved. They have been great, as have the clubs. The Top Four Cup’s been on and I told the players their clubs are their priority, so we have worked well together.”
Zuvela said his final squad was a good mix of experience and youth, including Fremantle’s former Perth Glory and Socceroos defender Josh Risdon.
“We’re really excited to have Josh involved. He had a good run with Freo in the Australia Cup, and then the State Cup final which they won. Since then he’s had a nice little break. It’s great to have a player like that with us.
“So you have your Josh Risdon, Jack Clisby, Aryn Williams and Liam Boland, players with a lot of experience. But I’ve also got two 18-year-olds in Santi Flores from Western Knights and Jack Baker from RedStar. And from Azzurri, Sam Pollard, he’s 20 or 21 and Ethan Banks is 19.”
The squad named is for this week’s game with Tasmania, November’s trip to Indonesia to take on Persebaya Surabaya, and a potential fixture with Perth Glory next month.
Tasmania are set to arrive in Perth on Friday for the first meeting between the two states since 1964 – the year The Beatles embarked on their one and only tour of Australia.
“It’s certainly been a long time between drinks and we’re expecting a real challenge against a strong Tasmania side,” Zuvela said.
“But there’s a good buzz at training and the boys are really keen to get going.
“I’m a Fremantle boy. I played for the state, and now I’m coaching the state. I’m really looking forward to the game.”
As well as a strong squad, Zuvela has named an impressive coaching staff with former Socceroos David Williams and Brad Jones in his set-up.
WA v Tasmania kicks off at 6pm.
