Hiroshi Ibusuki relishing his partnership in attack with Noah Botic at Western United

The goals of Hiroshi Ibusuki and Noah Botic have been a key factor in Western United’s push for the A-League title.

Western United’s Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki has hailed his lethal combination with fellow forward Noah Botic as the pair seek to add to the 20 goals they have already scored between them to further enhance their team’s bid for A-League glory.

United sits in second spot on the ladder – seven points adrift of leaders Auckland FC – ahead of Saturday night’s clash against competition cellar dwellers Perth Glory at Ironbark Fields.

While the Black Knights are in the driver’s seat to win the premiership, United is still a chance to finish on top, with both sides having five regular season games remaining.

And should Auckland finish in first spot, the team that places second on the ladder would be the A-League’s representative in the AFC Champions League Elite competition as the Blacks Knights are ineligible to compete in that competition as they are from New Zealand, an Oceania Football Confederation.

Throw in the domestic finals series, which will determine which team is crowned A-League champions, and United has plenty to play for.

Hiroshi Ibusuki has been happy in his first season at Western United. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“Of course we want to win these trophies, but we need to focus on each game, and then at the end of the season, we hope something big is coming,” Ibusuki said.

“We’ll just focus on each week, and then hopefully go forward.”

The presence of Ibusuki, who joined United in the off-season from Adelaide, has been a key factor in the Victorian’s club resurgence in the 2024-25 campaign.

The 34-year-old marksman has scored nine goals, and his experience and nous has also helped bring the best out of Botic, who is leading the race for the Golden Boot, having found the back of the net 11 times.

“He’s a very good player, and also his personality and character is very good,” Ibusuki said his strike partner, who is 11 years younger than him.

“I’m very happy to play alongside him, I enjoy playing alongside him, and we have a good understanding with each other with how we have to play together.

“I hope he will continue to have great success in the future.”

Noah Botic has formed a lethal combination with Hiroshi Ibusuki at Western United. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Ibusuki also paid tribute to United coach John Aloisi, saying the Socceroos great was the main reason he chose the Tarneit-based club over other interested A-League outfits when Adelaide didn’t do enough to keep him.

“I wanted to stay in Adelaide but they didn’t come for me, so I had to leave them. Then I had an opportunity to speak with John, and that was a big thing for me in making my decision,” he said.

“The conversation was very good. He showed confidence in me, and that has helped me.

“Of course, money is important when deciding where to play, but for me, the most important thing is relationships with people. Why I decided to come here was because of the people.”

Originally published as Hiroshi Ibusuki relishing his partnership in attack with Noah Botic at Western United