EXCLUSIVE: Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns today fly to Qatar for Olyroo duty, and will return directly to Brisbane for their side’s round one match against Queensland Roar.
The pair will take part in a training camp held in Qatar to acclimatize for the second round qualifying match against Iraq on August 22. They will then immediately jet back to Australia to arrive early on August 24. Adelaide United will face Queensland Roar at 7pm on August 25.
“We’ve already packed our bags for the Queensland game,” revealed Djite.
“It’ll be important for us to make sure we stay very professional and look after what we eat and we stay well-hydrated so we can back it up.”
Djite, who scored on the weekend in Adelaide’s Pre-Season Cup final against Perth, is fully aware that these are the demands facing modern footballers and says it is a challenge he relishes.
“It’s intense but that’s how it’s going to be because we’ve got six qualifying games [for the Olympics],” he says.
He also expects Iraq to be a particularly tough encounter, citing the team’s amazing display at the recent Asian Cup. Only the top team in the Group will proceed to the Olympics.
“Iraq won the Asian Cup and apparently they have quite a number of players in the Olympic team that are also in that squad," he said.
"I’m expecting them to be pretty good and it’s important we don’t underestimate any team. Even Lebanon are going to be hard and North Korea I know are good.
"We’re really going to have to be on our game to qualify.”
With the 2007 Pre-Season Cup now secured, the up-and-coming star striker is happy with the team’s current form and believes new Brazilian left-back Cassio will be a hit.
“We were lucky enough and good enough to win the Pre-Season Cup," said Djite. "We showed a lot of character and everyone is working hard for each other.
"There is a lot of team spirit and you can really feel that when you’re out there. That’s been one of our strongest points and our intensity and fitness has been very good."
He added: “With Cassio, we don’t want to put too much pressure on him but he’s really shown what he can do.
"He’ll be great for us and for the league as a whole. He’s averaging an assist and a goal every second game so he’s a great find and he’ll do very well.”
“We’ve already packed our bags for the Queensland game,” revealed Djite.
“It’ll be important for us to make sure we stay very professional and look after what we eat and we stay well-hydrated so we can back it up.”
Djite, who scored on the weekend in Adelaide’s Pre-Season Cup final against Perth, is fully aware that these are the demands facing modern footballers and says it is a challenge he relishes.
“It’s intense but that’s how it’s going to be because we’ve got six qualifying games [for the Olympics],” he says.
He also expects Iraq to be a particularly tough encounter, citing the team’s amazing display at the recent Asian Cup. Only the top team in the Group will proceed to the Olympics.
“Iraq won the Asian Cup and apparently they have quite a number of players in the Olympic team that are also in that squad," he said.
"I’m expecting them to be pretty good and it’s important we don’t underestimate any team. Even Lebanon are going to be hard and North Korea I know are good.
"We’re really going to have to be on our game to qualify.”
With the 2007 Pre-Season Cup now secured, the up-and-coming star striker is happy with the team’s current form and believes new Brazilian left-back Cassio will be a hit.
“We were lucky enough and good enough to win the Pre-Season Cup," said Djite. "We showed a lot of character and everyone is working hard for each other.
"There is a lot of team spirit and you can really feel that when you’re out there. That’s been one of our strongest points and our intensity and fitness has been very good."
He added: “With Cassio, we don’t want to put too much pressure on him but he’s really shown what he can do.
"He’ll be great for us and for the league as a whole. He’s averaging an assist and a goal every second game so he’s a great find and he’ll do very well.”
Related Articles
Campaign of pain: FA's Olyroos inquest will pile heat on Vidmar
Olyroos can't crack Jordan code in scoreless cup draw
