Raiders v West Torrens Birkalla
PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia Round 11

When: April 18^th, Kick-off 3pm
Where: Croatian Sports Centre, Main North Road, GEPPS CROSS

Teams:

Raiders: I. Baragomwa, D. Chamberlain, M. Debono, N. Fleetwood, E. Haile, Y. Jamal, M. Kamara, S. Kamara, E. Kamsoba, P. Karittevlis, F. Kido, A. Macolino, R. Marveggio, J. O'Doherty, D. Pickert, C. Pounendis, D. Pritchard, M. Saric, J. Stephens, Y. Sudic

West Torrens Birkalla: 9 A. Ciarla, 80 J. Cirillo, 14 L. D'Arrigo, 4 T. Dittmar, 19 T. Kawamura, 11 R. Kitto, 7 A. Miyayama, 2 S. Nagel, 8 T. Quaglia, 10 P. Radice, 3 K. Rowe, 12 C. Skull, 20 N. Temby, 1 J. Torresan, 5 H. Vuckic, 18 J. Watson

Form:

Raiders: W L L
Round 8: Croydon 1 Raiders 2, Polonia Reserve
Round 9: Raiders 0 Adelaide Comets 1, Croatian Sports Centre
Round 10: Campbelltown City 2 Raiders 1, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre 

(Catch up game Round 2: Raiders 1 South Adelaide 2, Croatian Sports Centre)

West Torrens Birkalla: W W W
Round 8: Adelaide Comets 1 WT Birkalla 4, Roxby Leisure Centre
Round 9: WT Birkalla 3 Campbelltown City 1, Jack Smith Park
Round 10: WT Birkalla 3 Adelaide Blue Eagles 1, Jack Smith Park

Preview:

Raiders will look to end a run of losses as they face a potent West Torrens Birkalla side who are tearing up the competition in Round 11 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia on Saturday.

Three straight victories on the bounce have led Birkalla on an impressive winning spree, with West Torrens man Tom Dittmar feeling the squad has really clicked into gear.

“This is the best we’ve been collectively as a team; everyone is excited going into every game each week.”

Following a crushing defeat to the hands of South Adelaide mid-week, Elvis Kamsoba believes it’s a big confidence blow for his Raiders team coming into this weekend’s game.

“It’s was big loss for us, practically we thought we were going to get a result but we didn’t put enough effort to win the game.”

However, Kamsoba states that it had no infliction on the preparation for the Birkalla clash.

“We are very prepared [for Saturday’s game]. It’s going to show if we want to be in the top five.

“Our last game we played well but we didn’t take our chances. We are a hundred percent ready to take our chances and hopefully get the win.”

Despite netting at least a trio of goals in recent weeks, the West Torrens defence has become unstuck in all three occasion.

Dittmar knows it’s not impossible to keep the home team out but remains fearful of another repeat.

“We’re yet to have a clean sheet; we are getting closer each week. They have quality players so it’s not going to be easy.”

One player in particular is Kamsoba, leading the line with 8 goals so far this season. Dittmar acknowledged the potential dangers he has to offer.

“Definitely a player we’ve spoken about. Whoever is marking him on the day has to do a good job, we just have to isolate him as much as possible and stop him from getting the ball.”

The Raiders front man does not shy away from his crucial role in the team and how vital it is he produces a good performance on Saturday.

“It’s really important for me to get to back to my normal self, not only for me but the team. I’m disappointed in myself for not taking my chances so I need take them well tomorrow [Saturday].”

Dittmar claimed his side has put an extra importance on such a fixture so that they can help consolidate it with other good results that have come the way so far.

Kamsoba relishes the opportunity to host Birkalla at home home but raised concerns over whether it will have a major impact on the result.

“It will help but I don’t believe in the home advantage. It’s all about the performance on the day.”

Article by Andrew Lodiong - @Andrew_Lodiong