A Ghanaian youth international will be one of five Lake Macquarie City players to make long-awaited NNSW National Premier League debuts when the Roosters kick off their 2020 campaign against an experienced Lambton squad on Sunday.
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Iman Akram will be joined by fellow recruits Kaman Bol Bol and Reece Newton in the top squad at Macquarie Field along with club juniors Tyrell Paulsen and Beau Wilkins as the season starts almost four months later than originally scheduled because of the coronavirus crisis.
The Lakes' first-timers will meet a Lambton side that features former Socceroo Matt Thompson and at least two other players with A-League experience - Mitch Oxborrow and Ben Kennedy.
"It's not every day you get to play against ex-professionals and former internationals so it's a good opportunity," Lakes coach Josh Rufo said.
Rufo describes midfielder Akram as a "very tidy" player. Bol Bol and Wilkins fill wider roles while Paulson is more of an attacker and Newton is a central defender.
Elswhere in Sunday's opening round Cameron Fitzsimmons will have his maiden run for Valentine, who host Magic, while Charlestown coach Graham Law comes up against former club Adamstown.
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