Zebras pining for top flight return

For a club that has stood the test of time, one thing is certain – hard work is essential.

Nothing could be truer in the case of Moreland Zebras who remain hopeful of an eventual return to Victoria’s premier division.

The Zebras had their highlights in 2016.

They welcomed their beloved Juventus to the humble confines of CB Smith Reserve, while the bianconeri of Melbourne also got one over local rivals Moreland City in the final match of the season.

After having been 180 minutes away from a return to the state’s top flight in 2015, the Zebras managed a fifth-place finish in 2016, which although disappointing, is yet to dampen the spirit of club President Joe Sala.

“We had a fairly good few years where we established ourselves,” he told MFootball.

“Even though this is our fourth year outside the top flight, which doesn’t sit too well with us, it’s a pain that we have to go through to get other sections of the club right.

“We’re pretty satisfied that we’re probably as stable now as we have been in our last 30 years of history. For a club that’s been around since 1948, that takes a bit of courage to keep it on the role.”

As pre-season kicks off, Juve not unlike other teams are methodically planning their return as they attempt to rebuild following the departures of James Kelly, Baggio Yousif and Bradley Murray in the off-season.

Holding onto Slovenian Nejc Kolman has been welcome news for the Zebras, while the return of Fausto De Amicis to De Chene Reserve after a 25-year absence is being greeted with delight.

“We’re at that point of the season where we’re trying to pinpoint some players that add that bit of difference to the club,” he said.

“I’m a competitor by nature, so we don’t play sport to be second.

“There’s no more or less pressure that there has been on the club to be its best. And our best we believe is suited to the next level up so we obviously want to strive to get there as quick as we can again.

“We’ll put together a competitive team and of course we’re very excited with Fausto rejoining the club.”

Sala finally paid tribute to fellow local club Pascoe Vale, which he feels has acquitted itself well in the Victorian football landscape.

“Pascoe Vale is another club who have sort of done it the hard way over the years and credit to them having established themselves in the top echelon,” he said.

“It’s another club which we think is well administered. It has the right football people in place.”

Zebras will be in pre-season action against Pascoe Vale on December 11 at De Chene Reserve.