Clarence Zebras have some interesting new signings

Photo:  Josh Mathie is a new signing from New South Wales [PlessPix]
 

Clarence Zebras will introduce their new signing from New South Wales in their NPL Summer Cup clash with Olympia Warriors at Warrior Park on Saturday.

Josh Mathie, a 26-year-old midfielder, trained with Clarence Zebras last night.

He played with Blacktown Spartans in 2017 and with Bankstown Berries in 2014.

“I was looking at clubs around Hobart and Clarence Zebras seemed one of the most interesting because of its history and somewhere I could come and get minutes of playing time,” Mathie said.

“It seemed like a good club run by good people.”

Photo:  New coach Franco Previdi at training on Tuesday night [PlessPix]
 

Clarence Zebras coach Franco Previdi said last Saturday’s defeat to Launceston City had been disappointing.

“I was disappointed and thought the boys could have got over the line,” Previdi said.

“It’s only the Summer Cup so I don’t worry too much about the result, but it was the way we lost that disappointed me.  I thought we were far better than that.”

Photo:  Riley Dillon is in goal-scoring form at present as he plays up front [PlessPix]
 

Previdi was particularly pleased with the performance of striker Riley Dillon, who netted the side’s two goals.

“He’s a very hard worker and never stops,” Previdi said.

“Other players should take note of his efforts.”

Previdi said the players were performing well at training.

“We had a very good talk after the loss to Launceston City and you have to remember we’ve got a very young team,” he said.

“They’re willing and prepared to work hard, so Saturday’s game against Olympia should be a good game.

“I will make some changes and I’ll certainly out some youngsters in there.”

Photo:  Clarence Zebras' goalkeeping coach, Frank Mainella, had an illustrious career with Hobart Zebras and White Eagles. [PlessPix]
 

The club has another goalkeeper in its plans.  He is Joel Philpott from Burnie United.

American import Daniel Baumgartner is another player sure to have an impact.

The 22-year-old Californian is a defender or midfielder with an interesting CV.

He has played for Coyotes FC, L.A. Wolves, Baltimore Kings, University of Hawaii, Inland Empire Surf and High Desert Elite before coming to Australia.

Photo:  American Daniel Baumgartner is very good in the air despite his lack of height. [PlessPix]

 

Photo:  Coach Franco Previdi in discussions with Daniel Baumgartner. [PlessPix]

Photo:  Daniel Baumgartner, an American in Australia. [PlessPix]

Photo:  Clarence Zebras trained at John Turnbull Oval last night. [PlessPix]

Photo:  Assistant coach John Moutsatsos points something out to head coach Franco Previdi at training last night. [PlessPix]