Local soccer clubs learn their fate in the first round draw for the FFA Cup South Australia
The first round of soccer’s FFA Cup SA will feature a Greek derby, the chance to avenge a famous upset and a pair of returning giant-killers. Find out who your local team drew in the national knockout competition.
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A Greek derby, the chance to avenge a famous upset and a pair of returning giant-killers headline the first round draw for the revamped FFA Cup South Australia.
Opening ties for the state-based phase of soccer’s national knockout competition were determined at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday in a draw streamed live online by The Advertiser.
Newly-promoted State League Two side Pontian Eagles host Saturday second-tier amateur outfit West Adelaide Raptors – the equal lowest-ranked team in the cup – in a standout clash.
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Both clubs’ origins in the local Greek community will add spice to the encounter.
Five-time cup-winner White City will look to avoid a repeat of its shock 2018 exit at the hands of Sunday amateurs Ghan Kilburn City when the duo squares off again.
The State League One Warriors, now coached by Socceroos great Damian Mori, fell 1-2 to the team then placed three divisions below them in a major boilover.
The Sunday amateur powerhouse will begin this year’s cup campaign at home against Collegiate League Unley Old Scholars.
The northeast side travels to face second-tier federation opponent Sturt Lions this time around.
National Premier League SA leader Modbury Jets, the sole top flight side drawn to feature in the opening round, is away to third division Mount Barker United.
The 10 remaining NPL clubs received a bye to round two.
Adelaide United youth is not eligible to enter.
Reds director of football Bruce Djite, who helped conduct the draw, said the FFA Cup would again provide an opportunity for local clubs to shine on the local and national stage.
“It’s a fantastic competition,” Djite said.
“Everyone talks about connecting football in Australia and, if I’m honest, the FFA has done a fantastic job in rolling out this competition a number of years ago.
“The successes that local clubs have been having in the FFA Cup really excites people, there’s a sense of nostalgia about how ... big some of those clubs used to be.
“It’s great to see the growth of South Australian clubs now putting their hand up to enter the cup, because there’s so many benefits that can come from it.”
All ties will be played on the weekend of March 20-22.
Fixture and venue details will be announced by Football SA in the coming days.
SA’s two representatives will join FFA Cup holder and A-League side Adelaide United in the opening round of the competition’s national phase.
FFA CUP SA – ROUND ONE
Seaford Rangers v Cardijn Old Collegians
Rostrevor Old Collegians v Salisbury United
Eastern United v BOSA
Adelaide Cobras v Parafield Gardens
Sturt Lions v Tea Tree Gully City
Northern Demons v Sacred Heart Old Collegians
Brahma Lodge v Vipers
Elizabeth Downs v Unley Old Scholars
Cove v Adelaide Hills
White City v Ghan Kilburn City
Westminster Old Scholars v West Adelaide
West Torrens Birkalla v Adelaide Red Blue Eagles
Noarlunga United v Gawler Eagles
Pontian Eagles v West Adelaide Raptors
Playford City v Western Strikers
Adelaide Victory v USC Lion
Port Adelaide Pirates v Fulham United
Adelaide University Grads Blue v South Adelaide
Adelaide Thunder v St Peter’s Old Collegians
Adelaide University v Old Ignatians
Modbury Vista v Adelaide University Grads Red
Mount Barker United v Modbury Jets