Sham Khamis is one of the first names on the Macarthur Rams’ team sheet in the #NPLWNSW competition and it will be no different on Saturday night at Lambert Park.
The Macarthur Rams travel to Lambert Park for the second time in less than seven days to take on APIA Leichhardt in the NPL NSW Women’s competition semi-finals.
It will be the Rams’ custodian who will be entrusted with helping her side advance to the Grand Final by attempting to keep a clean sheet.
But before getting to Saturday night, it was some ride in 2022 for Khamis who had to recover from a long-term injury before making her first appearance in the second half of the season. Still, this never stopped the Rams number one from supporting her team mates from the sideline in every game.
“To be honest, it was extremely difficult. I’m not one who likes to sit on the sideline but I guess being there I was able to see things differently and provide some input from an outsider’s perspective,” Khamis said.
“I’m proud of the team turning up every week and getting the results that put us into the semis.”
“I’ve loved being back on the park and every challenge that has come with this season. I started off slow but I’m hopeful that I’m finally finding my feet and getting back to the way I know how to play.”
The Rams have lost both games to APIA this season with an accumulative score line of 5-0. Their recent game was played only days ago albeit against a very under strength Rams team.
“If last weekend’s game is anything to go by, then I’m sure everyone can expect a high intensity game full of passion, grit and good quality football,” said the Rams captain.
“We haven’t been able to take points off APIA this year so we are hungry to do so this Saturday. We know we’ve got the squad to do it and I believe our team has peaked at the right time.”
“We’re all excited and ready for some redemption this weekend.”
As one of the leaders of the squad alongside her older sister Leena, Khamis is confident that the Rams can go all the way.
“There’s no doubt we have the ability to win the Championship. At the start of the season we had a goal to make the semi’s and we have done that. Now our next step is to go all the way,” Khamis said.
“I don’t think many believed we could and I think that was the best part of it. We have a lot of confidence in our philosophy, confidence in our squad and so much belief that we can produce good quality football that will guide us to success.”
“It won’t be easy but I’m sure we are a club that many teams don’t want to come up against us in the regular season let alone
-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief Writer and Commentator Nikola Pozder