The South Australian sporting public will be some of the first to have the chance to see Australian football icon Harry Kewell in action following his signing to Melbourne Victory, when the Reds face their eastern border rivals in an unofficial trial match at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday 23 September 2011.
Arguably Australian football's most recognised pinup of the past decade, Kewell's confirmed move to Melbourne means that one of, if not the biggest, name to play in the Hyundai A-League is likely to play in Adelaide twice in four weeks, with Adelaide United to host the Victory on September 23 before meeting them again in Week 2 of the season on October 14.
Following discussions between the two clubs, Adelaide United Chairman Greg Griffin revealed that Melbourne Victory Managing Director Richard Wilson has confirmed that everything going to plan, Kewell would line up in the September hit out.
"We are absolutely delighted to announce that Harry Kewell will be at Hindmarsh Stadium on September 23 playing for Melbourne Victory," Griffin said.
"The rivalry between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory is one of the most passionate in the Hyundai A-League, and with Harry (Kewell) set to be here for the match, it is a rare and special opportunity for the South Australian sporting public to come and see one of the biggest names in Australian sport, let alone Australian football."
"Melbourne Victory and the club's Managing Director Richard Wilson have assured us that they will be fielding a strong line up for the game, and with it being one of the final opportunities for both clubs to have a competitive hit out before the start of the season, it is certain to be anything but a friendly."
Further to the Kewell drawcard, the match will provide Reds fans with one last chance to see their team in action before the kick-off to the season proper. There may not be three points at stake, but the September 23 clash promises to be yet another highly charged contest between the two Hyundai A-League foes.
Tickets for the match against the Victory start at just $16 pre-purchase for adults and go on sale to the general public from 9am tomorrow (Wednesday 7 September 2011) through Ticketek (call 132 849, online at www.ticketek.com.au).
