Hakoah’s five-star export

FRESH off their Futsal NSW State League triumph with Eastern Suburbs Hakoah, Robbie Ezekiel, Dylan Basger, Jordan Mundell, Matt Rosenberg and Jarrod Basger have hit the ground running for F-League title hopefuls Inner West Magic.

The famous five played prominent roles in securing the Magic four points from a possible six during its road trip to Brisbane as Australia’s prestigious national futsal competition kicked off on Saturday.

Jarrod Basger nabbed both goals as Magic drew 2-2 with Galaxy FC in the first match, before popping up to grab another in a 4-1 victory over South Brisbane. Mundell also netted twice in the win just to confirm that the Hakoah boys are feeling comfortable in their new F-League home.

All five boys had helped to spearhead Hakoah Futsal Club to the 2014/15 Senior Men’s League and Cup double in the State League as the resurgent East Sydneysiders came within a whisker of claiming the Club Championship.

With silverware under their belts, they will be carrying the colours of the Inner West Magic juggernaut with confidence during the side’s campaign around the country.

Ezekiel, Mundell, Rosenberg and the Basger brothers were recruited to add extra punch to a club that has proven a dominant force in the top flight of futsal competition in NSW over many seasons.

The Magic’s strengths were on show during the previous Premier League season where they topped the Club Championship, while in 2015, the Glenwood-based side is stepping up to an even greater challenge against Australia’s preeminent futsal clubs, which includes its fierce local rivals the Warriors.

Competition between these powerhouses will have an extra edge when they meet on the national stage.

The Warriors beat out Magic in the Premier League senior men’s premiership and championship in 2014/15 and also carry the same titles from last season’s F-League.

Inner West Magic head back to their homestead at Valentine Park this Friday night to take on 2014 national runners up the East Coast Heat with an 8.15pm kick-off.

They will be looking to take maximum points from their home games this weekend starting with the Heat on Friday and finishing up with a re-match with Galaxy FC on Saturday at 12pm.

An added bonus for those in attendance on Saturday will be the halftime appearances of Hakoah Eastern Suburbs’ all-conquering Under-12 boys futsal team, which remained undefeated throughout the 2014-15 NSW State League season while enthralling fans with their attacking play.

SIMON MAHER

Pictured: Hakoah’s famous five (from left): Robbie Ezekiel, Dylan Basger, Jordan Mundell, Matt Rosenberg and Jarrod Basger