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Subscriber only WESTERN Spirit is hoping to reach new heights when the Ipswich club makes its Brisbane Premier League (BPL) debut this weekend. As first-time head coach Reginald Yaqub finalised his squad for Saturday night s season opener at home, he was starting his higher level aims working from the back. Co-captain Jose Fernandez has been linking well in the pre-season with another experienced and tall defender in Tyler Thor Baker. I m looking for that height domination at the back, Yaqub said, preparing for Saturday s 6pm encounter against UQ at Kippen Park. After being vice-captain last year, centre back Fernandez is sharing this year s co-captaincy duties with attacking midfielder Stefan Vrbesic.
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Subscriber only FORMER Western Spirit head coach Mario Malesevic has left the club in an improved position and appreciative of the support he received. However, in an ironic twist, last year s men s senior team mentor will coach against Spirit in the 2021 Football Brisbane competition. Wanting to coach in the Brisbane Premier League (BPL) this year, Malesevic accepted a pre-Christmas opportunity with the Centenary Stormers, expecting Spirit to remain in Capital League 1 (CL1). However, Goodna-based Spirit were recently admitted into the 2021 BPL competition after finishing in the CL1 top six last season. Malesevic has handed over the Spirit coaching reins to last year s assistant Reginald Yaqub.