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Posted by
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February 27, 2018 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - Vancouver Whitecaps FC winger Bernie Ibini, will be looking to make a stronger impact with Vancouver this season. Ibini who joined the Caps on May 9 last season has fully adapted and acclimated himself with Whitecaps FC. Coming into his first full MLS season, Ibini has a completed preseason under his belt. He is finding chemistry with several new Caps additions and ready to step up this campaign.
"My goals this year is to have more of an impact in the team, and play more games than I did last season," Ibini said.
It's no secret that Whitecaps FC have an abundance of wingers, and strikers. It's great for Carl Robinson, but obviously stressful for his players competing for minutes. Ibini is clearly in the mix to earn time on the wing, but he can also play up top if required.
"Yeah, I think I can definitely fill in at striker," said a confident Ibini. "When I first started playing professional, I started playing as a striker. If I needed to fill in there, I'm sure I could do the job."
While the 25 year-old Ibini is looking to make a mark for himself in Major League Soccer, he isn't the only professional playing Ibini. Bernie's sister Princess, is an up and coming winger with Sydney FC in the W-League. Just like her older brother, Princess is a fast paced attacking option with speed, vision, and creativity from the flank.
Who is the faster Ibini?
"Yeah she is actually," admitted Bernie. "I wouldn't say faster (laughs). Yeah, she's definitely very fast. She's a winger as well, winger or striker. Yeah, she's a very similar player to me."
"Me obviously, ha ha," a modest Princess said.
Even though the Ibini duo are an ocean apart with a 19 hour time difference. They find time to keep in touch, and keep tabs on one and other. Bernie often watches YouTube highlights of his sister, and they each make time for a phone catchup and a brew. The support Bernie has for Princess has gone a long way in helping her develop.
"He has had a massive influence on me," said Princess. "I started playing because he and my other brother Joshua was playing. Most people say I play like him."
While the 18 year-old Princess gives props, Bernie is quick to point out how much Princess has accomplished on her own. It's always good to offer help, and advice, but at some point you have to let a footballer thrive and grown on their own.
"I don't try to actually give her too much," revealed Bernie. "I know there's a lot of coaches. I just tell her, when she goes out there, she tries her best, and plays to her best ability. I try not to tell her too much, because I don't want to add any other pressure. She's still young. She plays with women, and she's been doing that for a while now. It's still tough when you're young. I try to be as positive as I can with her, and not really give her too much information."
The long-term goals for each Ibini are clear. They both want to play at the highest level, while also representing Australia on the biggest stage. Bernie has two caps to his name with the "Socceroos", but it's Princess who leads the way with three caps.
"It meant so much to me to be able to get those 3 caps," Princess said. "It was such an honour and an amazing experience to be able to play and train with so many people I have looked up to when I was younger."
The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup will be here before you know it, and Princess Ibini is hoping to bring her versatility, and dynamic ability to the "Matildas".
"She's been involved in a few camps," Bernie reflected. "She finally got her caps recently going to America. I'm sure if she's able to play well, and do what she's doing. I'm sure she'll have the opportunity and the chance to be able to be part of the World Cup."
"I hope to be able to make the squad," said a hopeful Princess. "I just need to keep working hard and at the end of the day it’s the coaches decision whether to take me or not."
The long line of Ibini footballers is in good hands going forward. Bernie will look to carve out a role with Whitecaps FC, and Princess is working her way to success with Sydney FC, and perhaps a spot on Australis's 2019 World Cup roster next summer in France.
"It’s a great achievement for both my brother and I to both be able to play football at such a high level but we owe it all to our mum for driving us where we need to go and believing and supporting us through it all," Princess said.
Whether it's in Vancouver or Sydney, the Ibini's mean business. They're ready to contribute, excel, and put defenders on their back heels.
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