By Akyereko Frimpong Manson
Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @Akyereko
Ghanaian youngster Kwabena Appiah-Kubi has insisted his Western Sydney Wanderers side will not be disrupted by hype as they face Brisbane Roar in the grand final of the Australian A-League next week.
Sydney Wanderers are making their second straight appearance at the final of Australian top-flight league and the young winger is not ready to be disrupted ahead of the clash at the Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old said the fanfare of their debut grand final appearance, barely six months after the club's birth, was so infectious it crept into the dressing room and became a distraction in the build-up to the 2-0 loss to Central Coast at Allianz Stadium.
ââ¬ÅIt was captivating. I think last year it wasnââ¬â¢t so much for ourselves, it was more for our fans. To win the premiership, go on a massive undefeated streak and if we then won the trophy, we wouldââ¬â¢ve gone down in history,â⬠Appiah said.
ââ¬ÅThis year, weââ¬â¢re fired up more than ever to get our ultimate goal. Very focused. We learnt from last year about all the distractions leading up to the grand final, so thatââ¬â¢s why Iââ¬â¢m saying this week is so relaxed, so calm, not even playing on the players' minds. Itââ¬â¢s just another game.ââ¬
Appiah has made 10 appearances for Sydney Wanderers so far in the Australian season.