Thunder set to strike

By Gavin Staindl
DANDENONG Thunder president Driton Maliku is confident his team will continue to be a force in the State Premier League this season.
Maliku believes that new inclusions combined with the solid pre-season will mean last year’s runners-up have the goods to take out the title.
“We have a stronger squad … we want to repeat the same type of results we had last year,” Maliku said.
“The (pre-season) training conditions have been perfect. We are in good shape and want to kick off in style,” Maliku said.
Along with a strong pre-season, Dandenong have also made four inclusions to fill the gaps left by outgoing players Colin Quirk and Sam Bailie.
Macedonian international player Afrim Abdullai will work up front as a prime striker while the signing of ex-Perth Glory midfielder Jeff Bright will add depth to a side that is already bolstered by two more international signings.
The Thunder was promoted to the Premier League after finishing second in Division One in 2008.
The team proved last year the promotion was merited, going all the way to the grand final after winning the minor premiership. The Thunder lost to Altona in the flag play-off.
Maliku said the side would look to kick off the current season with a strong showing against South Melbourne on Saturday.
“South Melbourne, Hume and Oakleigh will be the teams to beat this year … but I think we will win (on Saturday) at least 3-1 or 2-0” Maliku said.