Goalkeeper Sham Khamis on her return to the W-League competition and the goals for the season ahead.
After a season break from the W-League, Khamis is set to return between the sticks for the Red & Black this season.
Having previously played for the club seven years ago, the keeper is eager to back into action at her hometown club.
“I had a season off last year so for me personally it’s about getting back into playing at this level and enjoying the environment and intensity at which we train and play,” explained Khamis.
“I’ve grown up in Western Sydney, it is my home and it’s only fitting I finally return and put the Red & Black on!
“I know I have so much left to give especially to a club that continues to grow and establish themselves in the league.
“I can’t wait to get this season started because I know my values and passion align with what the Wanderers stand for.”
Football and the Wanderers run through the Khamis family’s veins.
Sisters Leena and Linda have been heavily involved in the Wanderers football department with Leena playing at the club last season while Linda is the head coach of the club’s Future Wander Women Program.
Speaking to her sister Leena, Sham has heard all about how much the club has changed since her last visit.
“Leena spoke highly of the club and she had such a great time last season,” said Khamis.
“She mentioned how far the club had come since my time in 2014.
“The facilities look great, the set-up is fantastic, and having an abundance of staff members specializing in their own field is exciting.
“I can’t wait to get started and give it my all for the club.”
The experienced goalkeeper is a veteran of the domestic competition and with a World Cup just around the corner on home turf, Khamis can’t wait to see the exponential growth of women’s football over the next year.
“It’s amazing to see how far the W-League has come since its inaugural season,” reflected Khamis.
“The inclusion of two clubs, one obviously been the Wanderers, increased media coverage, training facilities, and a whole heap more to say the least.
“We can only imagine the game will continue to grow and with World Cup around the corner, it’s exciting times ahead for Women’s football here in this country. I can’t wait to see how far the game will grow in the next couple of years.
“What excites me more is the opportunity young female footballers have now, they can aspire to play in a competitive league and play alongside some fantastic athletes.”
With the countdown now on until the start of the W-League season later this year, Khamis is confident the team that the Wanderers can go all the way.
“For the club, we want to make Finals,” said Khamis.
“We’ve made the Finals once in our history, so this year we want to make sure we start strong and make the Top 4, I believe we have the squad to do so.”
