Western United can confirm that centre-back Jalil Regague has been named as the captain of the Club’s NPL 3 Senior Men’s team for 2022. Defensive partner Zac Kocankovski has been named as vice-captain.
Regague was a part of United’s inaugural NPL side in 2021 – featuring mainly in the Under 21’s team – and has developed into a regular member of the senior side and a strong leader within the group.
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Speaking after leading the team to a 3-0 Round 1 win against Nunawading City on Sunday, Regague said the captaincy was a source of real pride for him.
“It’s a big privilege, being here last year and not being in the team as much, and now this year I’ve got a chance to show what I can do. To get the armband is a big honour and hopefully I can live up to what it takes,” he said.
Western United Academy Director and NPL 3 Senior Men’s Head Coach Anthony Frost said Regague’s impact within the group has been – and will continue to be – a major part of any success the team has.
“It’s a testament to his leadership that he’s able to drive the boys in some challenging moments – encourage, always make sure we’re staying true to the way we want to play,” he said.
“It’s great to have someone of his character in the group, and that filters through to the rest of the boys which is fantastic.”
The selection of the captain was put to a player vote, with coaching staff identifying a list of Club values that a captain should embody.
The entire playing group was then able to vote on who they felt best demonstrated those values, and Regague was the clear winner.
The 21-year-old said it was a great feeling to get the recognition from his peers for all of the hard work he has put in over his journey
“It’s nice! People see the work you put in and think that I’m at the standard and the level we have to be at. I can help people and kind of show them the way, it’s nice for all of the hard work you put in in pre-season to pay off,” he said.
Jalil Regague hoping to grow in captaincy role at Western United
Regague follows Ben Collins in captaining the youth team, and he will look to follow the trend as a fellow left-footed centre-back and climb up the ranks at the Club.
“Me and Ben had a good relationship last year. I learnt a lot from him, being captain and him being a year older and playing that position. So definitely, whenever we see each other it’s always good to pick his brain and see what he’s doing,” Regague said.
Regague led the team at the back against Nunawading, with an assured defensive play earning the side a clean sheet and three points in the opening round.
The side will go away to Whittlesea Ranges on Sunday March 27 in the second match of the season, with big goals for the season both in on-pitch success in NPL 3, and in continuing to develop the best young talent in the West and create a pathway into the A-League Men team.
