Para Hills Knights survived their first season in the Premier League in 2013 and look to build on their achievements in the coming season tells Head Coach Simon Catanzaro.

“It was our first year after winning the second division competition and joining the Premier League. We wanted to remain in the league which we did and as the season progressed we were in the mix for the Finals Series. This year we will be looking to progress from there.”

In the season ahead Catanzaro will lead a squad of young players and provide them with the game experience required to build a strong side in years to come.

“We need to get in as many games with the younger guys as possible over the next couple of years. It is going to be a learning curve for those who have been promoted.

“They need to get the experience so when we look 1-2 years down the track they have played 50-100 games and then we can push for some silverware.”

Assisting Catanzaro will be two of the bigger acquisitions to the squad for the year, former Enfield City SC Captain Dimitri Parhas who will bring his experience to the younger players and Chris Sullivan, a central defender who has been playing professionally in Greece.

Catanzaro places 2013 Minor Premiers NE MetroStars at the top of the list of sides to beat this season.

“They have been there and done it before. Ivan Karlovic did a great job in his first year, I don’t think he got enough credit and I think they will be stronger. A lot of clubs have recruited but MetroStars are the ones to beat.” 

Round 1 of the Coca-Cola Federation Cup sees Para Hills taking on White City at Frank Mitchell Park on Saturday night, a game which Catanzaro isn’t taking lightly, despite his clubs strong record over the Warriors.

“Records in the past don’t mean anything; they don’t give you 3 points or a victory. We are just looking at going through to the next round. White City are tough to beat in the first round, especially when fully fit and with out any injuries and Robbie Saraceno coaches them well. 

“We need to go out and dictate how we want to play and create as many opportunities as possible. We can’t let them get the advantage of their vocal crowd to get on top of us.”

Knights Captain Matthew Marchioro is looking forward to the game.

“We are pretty confident, if we just stick to the game plan and play to our strengths we can get a result there. Having said that, they are a tough team and we have to respect and be wary of them.”

The centre back is wary of MetroStars and Adelaide City as well as recently promoted side West Adelaide for the 2014 National Premier Leagues season but wont shy away from the challenge.

“We played West Adelaide in a trial match and they beat us convincingly. I think they will be up there this year. 

“We are a fairly young team and we need to believe in ourselves and back ourselves in everything we do this season.

“Last year was our first back in the Premier League after being relegated and we really just wanted to cement the spot. That was achieved but ultimately we want to be playing Finals football and that is where we want to push to this season.”

Para Hills play White City tomorrow, Saturday 15 February at Frank Mitchell Park, kick-off 7:00pm.

Para Hills play West Torrens Birkalla in Round 1 of the 2014 National Premier Leagues season at The Paddocks on Saturday 22 February, kick-off 3:00pm.1