Feature

-The Next Cumbre Generation-

The 2016/2017 SFL Summer season seems like one to forget for Cambio Cumbre, as we failed to clinch a state finals berth. A month of player departures  in October/December tested the depth of the three times Series Futsal Australia National champions. Australian/Malay nationals Noor Rani and Omar departed for the Malaysian Professional League. Welsh international Zulkarnain departed to Melbourne’s Series Futsal Victoria. SFL MVP Sakuragi returned to Japan, Alhammadi returned to Kuwait on professional terms with Kazma FC, followed by fellow kuwaiti Almesbahi. Colombian national Hurtado Rocha transferred to state rivals Murdoch Warriors, Soto’s playing time limited by a chronic foot injury, SFA golden glove Mirko Rotondo and SFL Golden Glove Ahmad Rahimi also departed the club.

A total of eight senior players departed the club testing the depth and resilience of the Cambio Cumbre’s youth squad. In January Cambio Cumbre’s U16s returned to Perth as National Champions in the JFAFL nationals. Tom Penman (16), Liam Petley (16), Tyler Garner (16), and keeper Jaydon Baker (17) had enormous shoes to fill as they were thrown into Cambio Cumbre’s starting line up.

“It was a great experience and enjoyed every bit of it. It was difficult throughout my time as keeper as…. we are such a young team.” -Jaydon Baker (GK, 17)

Baker had big shoes to fill with Ahmad Rahimi and Mirko Rotondo, both multiple national and state champions departing the club. “Jaydon has all the qualities to be an exceptional keeper, he’s a great shot stopper, athletic, great with his feet, and has a good size. Rahimi is the best keeper I’ve played with or against, and considering Jaydons age I think he can reach Rahimi’s level within the next few years.” – Gerardo Soto (Cumbre stand in Player/Coach)

Tom Penman is another youngster coming up the ranks in Cambio Cumbre joining the Club back in 2014.

-Tom Penman-

“Teams are a lot quicker… especially in transition from attack to defence. SFL players are a lot more clinical in front of goals than in Draft, and you need to capitalise on the oppositions mistakes. You always need to be focused, as the ball is travelling around the court at a fast pace”.- Tom Penman (16).

Liam Petley and Tyler garner were JFAFL u16s National MVP’s in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Playing in the SFL sporadically in the past Petley and Garner were also thrown into the SFL starting 4.

-Liam Petley-

-Tyler Garner-

“Each week I’ve challenged myself against some of the best players in the league and I have really enjoyed stepping up to the next level.”-Tyler Garner (16)

“I’ve been coaching these boys (Petley, Garner, Penman) for the past 2 years and they have come a very long way. Technically they are at the level to play SFL and compete. What’s missing is the decision making and the mental side, the mental strength to close out games and to be able to impose themselves on the court and against the opposition. This season that’s what was lacking, just some mental strength playing against the top players in the league. The SFA will test them mentally more than anything, and when they come back I know that they will all be at another level from the experience” -Gerardo Soto.

Cambio Cumbre are currently in preparations for the Series Futsal Australia Nationals in Melbourne March 16-19. Already with the return of Sakuragi, Almesbahi, Alhammadi. Omar and Noor Rani soon to return, Cambio Cumbre is set for a big 2017.