Princess Ibini-Isei following royal path of Socceroo brother Bernie

PRINCESS Ibini-Isei is not as famous a footballer as brother Bernie. But her coach and former Socceroo, Craig Foster, thinks the 17-year-old Condell Park winger could be one of world’s best players.

Footballer Princess Ibini-Isei’s coaches are trying to give her time to develop as a person due the intensity of her football. Picture: Tim Clapin

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PRINCESS Ibini-Isei might not be the most well-known football player in her family — but give it time.

The 17-year-old Condell Park winger plays the same position as her former Socceroo brother Bernie — and she has not made a wrong move since joining the Young Matildas team aged 14, or signing with the Sydney FC W-League team two years ago.

Even more impressively, Ibini-Isei has fostered a successful support crew that are helping strike the right chord between pushing the young player and giving her time to develop.

Between her coaches at Westfields Sports High School and Football NSW’s Institute team — her mentors are mindful to give Ibini-Isei time away from a results-based environment and nurture her “critical development years”.

Princess Ibini-Isei’s coach and former Socceroo Craig Foster said he expects her to become one of the best players in the world. Picture: Tim Clapin

“Princess rose up to senior football very early,” NSW Institute coach and 29-time Socceroo Craig Foster said.

“The issue with that is when players do that they can also miss out on continuing to develop.”

Foster said while Ibini-Isei could “easily” be released to a higher level, she is right where she needs to be.

“I expect Princess not just to be the best Matilda but I believe she can be one of the best players in the world,” he said.

“But to do that she needs to be given time to learn over the next five years.”

For Ibini-Isei, she loves the game and says it is her creative outlet.

“It’s just a different way to express yourself,” she said. “You can tell a story through your playing.”

Her focus is now on getting into the adult Matildas side.

“I’d also really like to go play overseas,” Ibini-Isei said.

Princess’ brother and Sydney FC player Bernie Ibini. Picture: Getty Images

But unlike her brother Bernie who plays for Vancouver, Ibini-Isei has her hopes set on Europe.

Ibini-Isei’s determination has made her this week’s Local Sports Star nominee for Junior Sports Star ­Individual.

LSS has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

Nominate someone: localsportsstars.com.au