Kyah Simon in right headspace for Rio Olympics football challenges
FOOTBALL star Kyah Simon is chomping at the bit for her much-awaited Olympic debut tomorrow morning against Canada.
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FOOTBALL star Kyah Simon is chomping at the bit for her much-awaited Olympic debut tomorrow morning against Canada.
The 25-year-old striker told the Rouse Hill Times from the team base in Sao Paulo she was ready for the challenging Group F games.
“I am feeling great and definitely ready for the matches,” said Simon, who has a knack of scoring at crucial times in big matches.
“Sao Paulo is a bit cooler (to Rio) and we are loving it here, we can’t complain.”
“We have to play to our potential to progress because all our group opponents, Canada, Germany and Zimbabwe are tough and will pose different challenges.
“We have to play to our strengths and expose their weaknesses.
“I am very excited and I am feeling good and fit.
“I am definitely in a good headspace and cannot wait for the competition to get under way.”
Simon began playing at Quakers Hill Junior Soccer Club for the under-8s team and has not forgotten her roots.
The club has also honoured their highest profile player with a Kyah Simon Golden Boot Award.
The former Rouse Hill Times Junior Sports Star Award winner said the 3-1 defeat to Brazil in the pre-Olympic warm-up game was a good preparation.
“We played part of the game with 10 players but it was a good workout for us,’ Simon said.
“I played the whole 90 minutes but in midfield which is a very different position for me as I can’t remember the last time I played in this position.”
Simon, who is playing for Boston Breakers in the US women’s league, said she is now waiting for her family to arrive from Sydney.
“It will be great to see my mum and two brothers here,” she said.
Talking about the football clinics she holds, Simon said she plans to host them around NSW, including Sutherland Shire, Newcastle and Canberra.
She held the first clinic earlier this year at the Football NSW headquarters, Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood, which proved popular with youngsters.
“Ideally I like to target during the school holidays for my clinics when I am back in Australia,” Simon said.
“I am not sure what my plans are after the Olympics as it depends on how we go.”
Australia’s Group F schedule: Aug. 4: 4am: v Canada; Aug. 7: 7am: v Germany; Aug. 10: 5am: v Zimbabwe
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