From Sapphire Cup To Grand Final: UNSW’s Charge For More Silverware

UNSW FC will look to cap off a remarkable season with Grand Final success on Sunday, with coach Zoran Naumovski preparing his side for one final test against reigning Champions Bulls FC Academy.

Naumovski stepped into the role this season in his fifth year at the club and has already helped guide UNSW to Sapphire Cup success, while the Students will now look to add another trophy to their cabinet.

It has been an impressive campaign for UNSW, who pushed Bulls FC Academy all the way in the Premiership race before finishing four points behind the eventual Champions.

Now they have an opportunity for revenge on the biggest stage.

Naumovski has built a squad that has been remarkably consistent throughout the campaign, keeping 11 clean sheets and putting together two significant unbeaten runs along the way.

For the coach, that consistency has been one of the major foundations of UNSW’s success.

“One of the big positives has been keeping a majority of the same squad throughout the season, which has helped,” Naumovski said.

The Students produced a 16-game unbeaten run earlier in the campaign before it was finally ended in Round 17.

Rather than allowing that defeat to derail their season, UNSW bounced back strongly and have now taken a 10-game unbeaten run into the Grand Final.

That continuity has been complemented by the strong relationships developed within the squad.

“We have created a positive relationship in the squad. It is important to be truthful and respectful, which has created a fun environment,” Naumovski said.

The progress is particularly significant given UNSW are only in their third season in the NPL Women’s NSW competition.

In that short period, the Students have established themselves as one of the competition’s leading clubs, with Naumovski believing their achievements are a reflection of the ambition throughout the organisation.

“We had a 16-game unbeaten run this year showing the brand of football we wanted to play and the vibes are high across the squad.”

“We have won the Sapphire Cup, made it into the top four and collected a Club Championship, which underlines that ambition.”

Naumovski singled out the Sapphire Cup triumph as an “exceptional achievement this season”, but was quick to acknowledge that the success has been a collective effort.

“There have been a lot of players, coaches and officials who have made an impact and shared those values and helped us grow.”

Now, however, all roads lead to Sunday.

Standing in UNSW’s way is a Bulls FC Academy side that has established itself as the benchmark of the competition and will enter the Grand Final looking to complete back-to-back Premiership and Championship doubles.

Naumovski knows exactly what his side is up against, but believes UNSW have already shown they can compete with the reigning Champions.

“They are a tough outfit to come up against. We did get a win over them earlier this season, but we will focus on ourselves and stick to what we do best.”

That self-belief will be crucial.

UNSW have already demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, and their Semi-Final victory over APIA Leichhardt showed the quality and composure they possess when the stakes are at their highest.

Now they have 90 minutes to turn a superb season into an unforgettable one.

There will also be plenty of familiar faces in the stands, with Naumovski highlighting the enormous support UNSW have received throughout the campaign.

“Our support has been exceptional this year from both the youth girls and JDL sides at games and we wouldn’t have got to where we have this season without them.”

That connection between the senior side and the wider UNSW football community has become an important part of the club’s identity.

From Sapphire Cup Champions to Premiership challengers, a 16-game unbeaten run to a current 10-game streak, UNSW have built a season filled with milestones.

But one final achievement remains.

The Championship.

Standing in their way are the reigning Champions, a side they know well and have already defeated this season.

For Naumovski and his players, the message is simple: trust the work, trust each other and play their football.

The Students have already made history in their short time in the NPL Women’s NSW competition.

On Sunday, they have the chance to add another chapter.

One game. One trophy. One final opportunity to cap an extraordinary season.

By Justin Davies