Western United will enter the 2023 E-League competition with two new players setting sights on ensuring the title remains with the Green and Black.
After winning the competition in 2022, United has partnered with SquadFalse9 (SF9) who have provided two top EA Sports FIFA players to chase the title in 2023.
Anthony Saad and Matthew Sesto will be the pair tasked with bringing success back to Western United when the E-League kicks off next week.
Saad comes in as the fourth highest ranked FIFA player in Australia and fifth in Oceania, while Sesto is ranked eighth in Australia and ninth on the continent.
Ahead of competing for Western United, the Club he supports, Saad said he is ready for the opportunity and looking to make an impression.
“I’m very excited to join Western United, especially as reigning Champions. It gives me even more motivation to try and take the Club back-to-back,” he said.
“Playing for Western United was one of my dreams, and I’ve been a big fan since the beginning of the Club’s A-Leagues campaign.”
Sesto, a West Melbourne local, echoed Saad’s sentiments and said he has eyes on the ultimate prize this season.
“I’m super pumped to have joined Western United for the upcoming E-League season,” he said.
“Last year for me personally, being my first in the E-League, I was just happy to be there. Not this year though – my motivation is at an all-time high and I’m going into it trying to win.”
Saad and Sesto both competed in the E-League last year for Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively, each narrowly missing out on the finals bracket after finishing third in their groups.
The 2023 season will introduce a new format, with the Group Stage comprising of two pools of 12 players and matches to be played over a six-week period.
The Group Stage will conclude at the end of April with the Playoffs beginning on the first weekend of May before the Grand Final on Saturday 13 May.
Saad and Sesto will find be looking to get off to a strong start in the Group Stage on the way to a positive campaign for Western United.
