Sydney FC’s W-League team signs Princess Ibini, sister of former star man Bernie
Published by The Daily Telegraph on 19 August, 2015
By Carly Adno
SYDNEY FC have added a touch of royalty to their W-League squad by signing Princess Ibini, the younger sister of Bernie.
While Bernie has moved to Brugge in Belgium, the Sky Blues are delighted to continue their relationship with the talented Ibini family.
Princess, pictured above playing for Westfields Sports High, has trained with Sydney FC previously, but was unable to sign a professional contract with the club until she turned 15.
And now that she’s come of age, Ibini is looking forward to playing alongside some of Australia’s best, including Kyah Simon, Alanna Kennedy and Leena Khamis.
Ibini will also benefit by learning off experienced American striker Jasmyne Spencer, who will be returning to the club after picking up the golden boot last season.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a really good experience to train with all of them,” Ibini said.
“They’re experienced and can teach me a lot. Hopefully one day I’ll play for the Matildas too and do well.”
Ibini’s talents were spotted by current Matildas coach Alen Stajcic when she was just 12-year-old and the former Sydney coach invited her to train with his squad.
She’s already played for Australia at under-19 level and earlier this year was part of the Young Matildas team that finished third at the AFF Women’s Championships in Vietnam.
She’ll have to take some more time off school over the next few weeks as she is off to China with the Young Matildas to compete in the AFC under-19 Women’s Championships.
Fortunately, she has the full support of her teachers and classmates at Westfield Sports High.
But no one has inspired and supported her more than her brother. On the back of a stand-out season for Sydney Bernie earned himself a move to Europe, only to have his dream start delayed by fracturing his fibula in preseason training.
“It’s because of him that I started playing,” Ibini said.
“He’s been a very big influence on me. Just seeing him play made me want to play and seeing him do what he does made me want to push myself.”
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