The Hyundai A-League side, along with Adelaide United, will become the first Australian team to play in the event when they tackle Shanghai Shenhua in China.

And Rudan admits everyone involved with the club is excited by the prospect of testing themselves against some of the best sides in Asia.

"It's a historic event for Australian football," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"All of the Sydney players involved will be able to look back on their careers and say we, along with Adelaide United, were the first to represent Australia in the event.

"Of course it's exciting. The players realise only too well how important an occasion it is."