Ben Folami is all set for an intense clash this Saturday as United goes head-to-head with rivals Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium. What’s really adding a layer of excitement here is that Ben is squaring off against his old club for the first time since switching sides…and he’s clearly ready for it.
Ben played 82 games for Victory after returning from the UK, and it seems like he’s holding on to a mix of great memories from his time there. Yet, he’s now focused on a new challenge at United, and he’s confident in the team’s ability to meet it. “Victory is always a strong team,” Folami told Channel Ten on Thursday, “but in a way, with the way we’ve been playing, we’re more than up for it. We’re ready to take it to them.”
Image: Ben Folami in Victory colours up against Javi López
Facing familiar faces on the pitch, though, is something that Ben admitted is going to feel “weird,” but once the whistle blows, all that friendship will be set aside. “We won’t be friends for 90 minutes,” he added with a smile. He’s definitely eager to see what the atmosphere will be like this time around, but this time wearing the red of Adelaide United instead. “I’ve played at Coopers Stadium before, but on the other side,” Folami said, “and honestly, I’m really excited to experience it as an Adelaide player.”
With the match being part of the iconic Original Rivalry, the stakes are even higher, and for Adelaide United, securing a win could be a game-changer in their hunt for top spot on the ladder. “If we win, it would be absolutely huge,” Folami said, knowing full well how much this one result could mean for their position in the standings. “It’s not just about the rivalry. A win would really set us up for the rest of the season.”
You can also tell there’s been a lot of buzz in training this week, with the more experienced players, like Captain Ryan Kitto, making sure the newer recruits get the full sense of what this rivalry means. Folami pointed out that even the vibe at training felt a little different, with the more seasoned players speaking up, ensuring everyone’s clear on just how massive this match is.
“Some of those more experienced boys who played this game more than others, were a lot louder. They’re telling us the expectations of this game, so the new boys will be well aware of what’s waiting for them,” Folami said.
Ben, though, is just trying to stay locked in on the task at hand. He’s got no interest in getting too caught up in the idea of playing against his old club. “I’m fully focused on helping Adelaide win,” he said, brushing off any idea of having something to prove against Victory.
“I’d say I’m fully focused on the job at hand. You know, I’m an Adelaide player now, every game I play, I guess there’s a point to prove, regardless of who the opposition are. So it’s another chance for me to perform and hopefully help the team win.”
For him, every match is about performing his best, and, well, this one is no different.
All eyes are now on Saturday night, with nearly every seat at Coopers Stadium set to be filled for what could be an unforgettable clash. Victory fans, no doubt, will have their share of boos ready, but Ben’s also counting on a warm reception from Adelaide supporters, saying, “We’ve got the best fans, so I just hope everyone comes out, has a good time, and, you know, we can hopefully give them the three points.”
