It will be a youthful CMI Busselton City side that takes on Dalyellup on Sunday in Bunbury in the first round of the South West Soccer Association’s Pioneer Cup. This year this competition will be played primarily on a pre-season knockout basis with the final to be played on Anzac Day.
In 2018 the local side started the season strongly and were league leaders midway through before recording some disappointing results. This season Busselton City’s coach Alan Armstrong has had good numbers to pre-season training over the past month.
The club has been able to recruit talented youngsters Justin McClurg, Beau Haynes and Will Jackson from State League club South West Phoenix. Former Golden Boot winner Martin Ryan and 2016 Player of the Year Mathis Wieler have also re-joined the club along with Isaac Sheehan from neighbours Geographe Bay. Armstrong will also be looking to the likes of Rob Seia, Miles Palmer- Williams, Rich Amey and goalkeeper Jesse Gunnis to provide the on-field leadership during the season.
In the past Dalyellup have caused Busselton a few problems through their ability to quickly transition into attack through striker Paul Madondo. If Busselton is to progress to the second round then defenders Palmer-Williams, Daniel DeWaal, Cameron Best and Cameron Goldsmith will need to close down their opponents at every opportunity.
Triple M Busselton City ladies team will have their first Pioneer Cup game on Sunday 17 March when they take on Australind. Busselton acquitted themselves very well in the recent Football Margaret River Carnival and coaches Therese Charlton and Rob Gibbons will be looking for a repeat performance against a very competitive Australind side.
