Cairnlea is hoping for another season at the right end of the state league 1 soccer ladder despite the loss of two key players.
Adamson Ajayi and Leon Osei left the Reds to join National Premier League club Sunshine George Cross.
The Reds won nine matches last season, at one stage flirting with possible promotion to the NPL, but they couldn’t keep it going and finished fourth.
Cairnlea acted quickly to replace the departing players, with Salih Doren joining after a three-year stint in Turkey.
Another new signing, former Port Melbourne goalkeeper Adam Hrehoresin, has already impressed head coach Kruni Razov.
“He’s played at Premier League level for many years and I think he’ll be a great asset,” Razov said.
“He’ll be able to groom younger players coming through as well, so his signing is incredibly positive.”
Cairnlea will begin its season with a danger game against North Sunshine.
The Eagles go into the match full of confidence after winning the state league 2 title last year and earning promotion.
“It will be a huge game, a big rivalry game,” Razov said. “We’re close together and they’re flying at the moment.
“They’ve been beating NPL clubs in the past few weeks.
“It’s going to be a tough one, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Despite the player changes, the Reds are confident they have what it takes to match it with the top state league 1 clubs.
“The goal is to be as competitive as possible,” Razov said.
“We’d like a top-four finish and anything else would be a bit of a bonus.”
