Glory striker Sam Kerr is set to skipper the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France later this year.
The Freo local has been handed the armband by new national team Head Coach Ante Milicic, with Melbourne City defender Steph Catley being named vice-captain.
Kerr, who has 72 senior caps to her name, will start her in her new role on Thursday when Australia meet New Zealand in their opening fixture of the inaugural Cup of Nations tournament and is understandably thrilled at the prospect of leading her country.
“It is a tremendous honour to have been recognised by Ante [Milicic] and the staff as captain of the Matildas,”she said.
“Ante gave a great speech about what it means to play for Australia to the team yesterday and at the end of it surprised us with the announcement.
“Together with Steph and the team, we are committed to excelling at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and there will be no bigger honour than to wear the armband in France.”
Milicic, meanwhile, revealed how Kerr’s leadership abilities had shone through since he’s taken charge of the squad.
“Sam [Kerr] and Steph [Catley] have impressed me greatly,” he said.
“We had four great training sessions and several team and individual meetings while we were in Brisbane and to me their qualities as leaders of this group stood out.
“With any honour comes responsibility, however I trust that Sam and Steph, as well as the other leaders in our squad, are ready to grasp the opportunity to push this team to a new level.”
Please see below for details of how you can watch the Matildas continue their World Cup preparations…
Match Details
2019 Cup of Nations – Matchday One
Date: Thursday, 28 February 2019
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt (Sydney), New South Wales
Match One: Argentina v Korea Republic – 4.35pm kick-off (AEDT) – 1.35pm (WST)
Match Two: Westfield Matildas v New Zealand – 7.30pm kick-off (AEDT) – 4.30pm (WST)
Tickets: Tickets available from Ticketek
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS & SBS VICELAND* (please check local guides)
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