Moreland Zebras to be stretched to limit with three games in seven days around FFA Cup clash

Rashid Mahazi’s move to South Korea couldn’t have come at a worse time for Moreland Zebras with the NPL2 promotion contenders facing a brutal run of games.

Moreland Zebras Fausto de Amicis. Picture: Josie Hayden

Three games in seven days is set to stretch Moreland Zebras to the limit.

It’s a brutal schedule that could have major ramifications for Moreland’s NPL2 West title ambitions, compounded by the loss of former Melbourne Victory midfielder Rashid Mahazi.

Zebras travel to Ballarat on Saturday before a FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against Bulleen Lions on Wednesday.

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They back up three days later when Geelong visits CB Smith Reserve.

However, coach Fausto de Amicis was confident his squad had the depth and quality to deal with the busy period.

“We’ve got to make sure we rest players … rotate as best as we can,” he said.

Moreland Zebras coach Fausto de Amicis. Picture: Josie Hayden

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost Jacob Fulluck. He’s ruptured ligaments in his foot and he has to have an operation.

“By losing Mahazi as well, it’s not going to make selection easy.”

Mahazi played a half in Zebras shock 3-0 home loss to St Albans in Round 21 before travelling to South Korea to link up with Incheon United.

The defeat leaves Moreland in second, equal on points with pacesetter Werribee City but behind on goal difference with seven games left.

A silver lining to the schedule dilemma was Moreland being drawn against fellow a Victorian club, NPL2 East high-flyers Bulleen Lions, in the FFA Cup.

“I’m sure our players are looking forward to it and the fact we don’t have to travel makes it less hectic for us,” de Amicis said.

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“We’ll have them three times in a matter of weeks, in the FFA Cup, then in the Dockerty Cup (third-place playoff) and a couple of weeks after that in the league.

“I live very close to Bulleen.

“On a Monday night I sometimes catch the last 45 minutes of their games.

“They’re a team of great determination, coached well by John Maisano and they breed success … we’ve got to be mentally ready.”

It’s not much easier for Bulleen, which travel to Albury on Saturday to face Murray United but have a five-day break before returning to NPL2 action against Northcote City.

After Geelong, the Zebras face Box Hill United, Bulleen, title rivals Werribee City, Melbourne Victory and Whittlesea Ranges in the run home.

The top team secures direct promotion to the NPL for 2020 with the second-ranked side thrown into a dual playoff to reach the state’s top flight.