RANGERS mentor Cameron Pyke believes his young side are primed to take the next step towards regaining the club’s status as a Ballarat and District Soccer Association power.
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Still reeling from a first-round finals exit last season, the Jones Oval outfit will travel north to face division one newcomer Buninyong on Sunday.
Pyke is adamant several new faces throughout the club will transition into improved performances on field as the men vie to improve on their fourth-place finish from last season.
“We probably went into last year a bit undecided in that not knowing a lot (of how they’d perform),” he said.
“To make finals was such a big achievement. But this year, to keep such a young group together is very important. They’ll be better for the experiences they had last year.
“This season, we look not just to make finals, but to really push deep into them.”
Pyke, 24, said the club had managed to sign a former Ballarat Red Devils junior as it looked to strengthen its list.
“We’ve picked up Morgan Brown, who will slot in as a defender or into the midfield. He’s a big, solid guy, but is technically gifted too,” he said.
He said Buninyong posed a tough task and that Rangers would not take them lightly.
Rangers’ ladies will also kick off their premiership defence against Ballarat SC at Morshead Park on Sunday.
In their return to the Ballarat and District Soccer Association, the Rangers’ under 17 side will also play Ballarat at Morshead Park on Sunday.
