2024 President Federation Cup: Heartland Queens Goalie, Atulayo banks on experience to see off Golden Sun

Posted : 06 May 2024

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Heartland Queens' goalkeeper, Amarachi Atulayo, has said her side will win big against the grassroots club, Golden Sun Sports Club, in the President Federation Cup Women's Round of 32 game on Thursday, May 09 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta state.

The President Federation Cup matchup will be the first time ever both sides are involved in any competitive and non-competitive game.

Atulayo, who admitted to the fact that it's always tough playing an amateur and non-league side in a surprise-packed competition like the Federation Cup, however, stated that experience will make all the difference in the clash.

"Well, in the game of football, everyone wants to win, and winning often goes to the team that prepares better and plays well on matchday.

"I know we have worked very hard and prepared quite well for the game, and we are going to play better to claim the victory.

"I believe we will win big and convincingly on matchday.

"Of course, I know that the Federation Cup is a competition of surprises, a competition that shows no respect for anyone.

"I know these factors, and that's why I am not worried or bothered about facing the grassroots. Grassroots sides are difficult to play against; they are hard, tough, and mean, and they employ dirty tactics to gain an advantage, but we are a professional side, and professionalism will always come to the fore to see us through.

"I think experience will be the decider, and it will play a huge role in swinging the game in our favor.

"We are not going to undermine or underestimate them; we will accord them their due respect, but we will take them through some football tutorials as a professional side," said the former Crystal Stars shot-stopper.

The all-smiles netminder said her side will try to achieve their dream victory within the 90 minutes mark.

"Yes, the Federation Cup is played on a knockout basis; our target is to get the winning goals before the 90-minute mark. We will do everything humanly possible to avoid the game going into the lottery of penalties," said the agile and athletic goalie.

The petite goaltender, who has been the cynosure of all eyes in games featured, promised not to let in a goal on matchday.

"I will do my very best not to let in any goals; it's going to be clean sheets all the way, and the victory will be resounding," the amiable goalie assured.

Victory for the Owerri mainstreams in Thursday's game against Golden Sun might bring them face to face with the Premiership side, FC Robo Queens, in the round of 16.

Heartland Queens' smooth run in the immediate past edition of the oldest and glamorous Cup competition in the land was harshly and hastily halted by Lakeside Queens in the round of 16.

2024 President Federation Cup: Heartland Queens Goalie, Atulayo banks on experience to see off Golden Sun

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