Young stars push for Thunder places

South West Queensland Thunder plans to play attacking brand of football

ON TARGET: South West Queensland Thunder midfielder Kimba Kibombo takes a shot on goal against North Queensland United. Picture: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: Kicking off their Kappa Silver Boot campaign tonight, the SWQ Thunder will treat fans to an exciting, attack-minded brand of football.

With new men's coach Thiago Kosloski at the helm, the Thunder will experiment in the Silver Boot but the focus will be on attack, according to team manager Jason Hall.

"Thiago naturally wants his teams to play the Brazilian way - very attack-minded,” Hall said.

"He wants a lot of players in the (penalty) area when we are in possession but that's not to say we won't be defending in numbers.

"We're not a big side physically, but we're young, fit and mobile. Thiago recognises that and we're going to play a style of football that suits our strengths.”

Facing Southside Eagles in their first match, the Thunder will be without their new Brazilian imports providing a number of talented young local stars to prove their worth.

"A number of young players really stood up for us last season,” Hall said.

"Players like Wade Hall, Jacob Bigby, Anthony Grant and Jackson Franke were key parts of the team.

"Keanu Tuart and Fletcher McDonald had starts toward the end of the season as well and didn't look out of place.

"It will be good to see Luke Lister in the side as well.

"He's made just about every state team since he was 12 but this is the first year he'll be eligible to play for the seniors.”

Hall is also excited to be on the sideline to witness the progression of two other players - one a new signing to the team and the other a Thunder "veteran”.

"Our new signing, James Egeta, has looked very sharp at training,” Hall said.

"He adds a lot to the team and I think he's got the potential to be a star, not just for us but in the NPLQ.

"I think Kimba (Kibombo) is going to have a good season as well.

"He's a talented player but I think our coaches in the past were not able to quite figure out how best to use him.

"Thiago though is going to play him in a role that I think will really suit him.

"Kimba has really bought into the new culture that Thiago has bought to the club, they (the players) all have.

"There's a lot of energy at training, everyone has looked really sharp and they're excited about the season ahead.”

MATCH DAY: The SWQ Thunder feature in Group B and play their first game against Southside Eagles (7pm today). Holland Park Hawks (Sunday, January 13, 5pm). Lions FC (Friday, January 18, 8.30pm). The top two teams from each group advance to the finals. Group A consists of Brisbane Strikers, Capalaba FC and Moreton Bay United.

Originally published as Young stars push for Thunder places