Holder Adelaide City faces Raiders in pick of tomorrow’s Federation Cup round one ties

CUP holder Adelaide City faces a tough start to its defence when it takes on Raiders in the first round of the Federation Cup tomorrow.

City faces tough test in cup opener

CUP holder Adelaide City faces a tough start to its defence when it takes on Raiders in the first round of the Federation Cup tomorrow.

The Black and Whites, who claimed their 16th title last season, travel to the Croatian Sports Centre in the pick of the opening round ties.

City coach Damien Mori expected a testing encounter in his side’s first competitive match of the campaign.

“It’s two unknowns and both teams will be trying to find their feet,” Mori said.

“Last year’s (cup win) was last year and we’ve got three new players in the squad and some younger boys.

“It’s a new journey for everybody at the club.”

City has recruited brothers Jonathon and Alex Rideout from Cumberland United as well as combative midfielder Shane Tobias from tomorrow’s opponents.

The only major out is former skipper Jonathan Negus who has joined Modbury.

“The hot weather has made (pre-season) games a bit difficult, but we’ve had four good hit-outs and we’re looking forward to a game with a bit of meaning,” Mori said.

“What looks good in training might not be good in the games, but hopefully we’ve done enough to put ourselves in a good position to get off to a good start.”

Raiders have had a busy off-season signing goalkeeper Anthony Stam from amateur league club Parafield Gardens, Michael Debono from West Torrens Birkalla, Nathan Fleetwood from Para Hills and rising star Elvis Kamsoba from Playford Patriots.

Along with Tobias, they have lost Daniel Atkins and Alemayo Kebede to Western Strikers as well as veteran Michael Cartwright who has retired.

Last season’s beaten cup finalists White City will look to bounce back when it hosts fellow Premier League side Para Hills at Frank Mitchell Park.

The sides finished 10th and ninth respectively in the league last year and look certain to serve up a tight encounter.

Premier League champions Campbelltown City plays State League side Adelaide Hills at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.

The Red Devils will hope to improve on last season’s cup campaign when it was thrashed 4-0 by Adelaide City in the semi-finals.

Top flight new boys West Adelaide take on Adelaide Cobras at the new Adelaide Shores Football Centre at West Beach.

The clash will be the first SA cup match played on artificial turf.

Playford City will aim for a massive upset when it hosts Adelaide Blue Eagles at Ramsay Park, while perennial State League strugglers Gawler faces a difficult test away to last year’s big improvers Cumberland.

MetroStars, Croydon and Western Toros received a bye to the second round.

The winner of the Federation Cup will advance to the first round of the inaugural FFA Cup.

The national knockout competition will feature 23 state league sides from across the country as well as the nine Australian A-League clubs.

The SA Premier League season kicks off on Friday, February 21.