Special moment as Sapsford debuts for Wanderers
'It was very surreal to be watching the game, and the next minute to be on the pitch, playing in it'
Barely two months past his 20th birthday, and at precisely the 80th minute of Western Sydney’s third round 1-1 draw with the Brisbane Roar at CommBank Stadium last Saturday, former Hakoah FC junior Zac Sapsford enjoyed a moment in football he had been aiming for since childhood – making his A-League Men’s debut.
Wanderers coach Marko Rudan put faith in the skilful and speedy young Jewish striker, introducing him to top flight football off the bench as a sub for teammate Sulejman Krpic, who had scored in the fifth minute of the match.
Sapsford told The AJN on Tuesday, “It was very surreal to be watching the game, and the next minute to be on the pitch, playing in it.
“It was a very nice feeling, and I was really happy to achieve my dream … playing in the A-League is a dream come true.
“And to have both of my parents there, and friends, to see that, was so special.
“But at the same time, I was a bit annoyed that I couldn’t contribute with a goal or an assist.
“And as a team, we felt we lost two [competition] points on offer, because we were aiming for our third win.”
The Wanderers – who have a passionate fan base, but have missed the finals for several seasons – signed Sapsford on a three-year contract in the off-season in June, after a successful trial.
He had proven his potential earlier, as a prolific goalscorer in the 2021 Football NSW State League One men’s season for Hakoah FC, and in the 2022 NSW NPL1 men’s competition for Sydney FC, when he found the back of the net seven times in 12 games.
But Sapsford is not getting carried away with his first 15 minutes of A-League football under his belt.
“I’ve made my debut now, but I tend to be very hard on myself, so the most important part, I feel, is what you do in your next game,” he said.
“I want to keep contributing by earning more game time, and pushing for a starting spot.
“My focus right now, and the team’s, is preparing for our next game this Friday night [at Commbank Stadium] against Newcastle.”
Of his time so far with the Red & Blacks, Sapsford said he appreciates the positive team culture being instilled by head coach Rudan, and the close knit, family feeling among the playing group, “which is the best environment for me to be in”.
“I really enjoy being coached under Marko and his staff, because he is very good at making sure all the players want to put their best foot forward, on and off the field, to represent the Western Sydney community well, and the fans.
“I think this season, as a group, we have something special, but it’s about making sure we train as hard as possible in order to play our best, and aim to win all three points in each game.”
comments