Progression to the Uefa Conference League group stage. A long-awaited cup run for the Tangerines’ faithful to relish. Hero status in the Dundee derby.
Maybe even pulling on the green-and-gold of Australia if things go really well.
Zac Sapsford has arrived at Dundee United with lofty goals.
And why not?
The Australian livewire has already navigated setbacks in his early career – including a maddening spell in the UK unable to play due to paperwork issues – to become an A-League standout.
He showcased the belief and bravado to cross the Sydney divide to join Western Sydney Wanderers as a youngster – and went on to become a derby-day talisman, tormenting the Sky Blues.
So, it is little surprise to see him embracing the next challenge with similar confidence and determination.
“I’ve had a long, tough journey in football,” Sapsford told Courier Sport. “I only relatively recently started playing men’s football in Australia and it’s always been my ambition to play in the UK or European football.
“That’s where the best play. If I want to be playing the best football I can and reaching my potential, then I’ve got to be here. Hopefully, I can start the season well.
“We want to get into the group stage for the Conference League. If we were able to do that, that’s good for everyone – testing yourself against top tier teams week in, week out is what everyone wants.
“In terms of the league, we want to build on the season the club had last year, and there’s cup competitions that we want to go far in. Those are all big goals we have as a club this season.”
Chester learning curve
Sapsford is no stranger to British football.
He was afforded the opportunity to link up with Chester in 2019 but red tape meant that he was unable to play competitive games for the Cheshire outfit.
Sapsford was still able to turn out in some bounce games and trained with the side. Nevertheless, he confesses to a lingering sense of “frustration”.
However, he believes his circuitous journey has made him more mentally tough.
“It was a frustrating time,” he recalled. “I couldn’t play simply because of documents and stuff – nothing to do with anything else.
“But I got through that, and it taught me a lot. Without the time I spent in England and the challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m grateful for it in some ways.
“Going through a traditional academy then straight into your professional career gives you one path, but I believe the path I took – a very different one – definitely helped me as a player and a person. I’m grateful for that.”
The derby specialist…Dee watch out?
Indeed, upon his return to Oz, Sapsford shone.
After a goal-laden period with Sydney FC’s youth side, Sapsford grew impatient for first-team opportunities and crossed the city divide to Western Sydney Wanderers.
He would go onto score FIVE times in six local derbies. Remarkably, 42% of his total goals in senior football have come against the Sky Blues.
Which begs the question: will that hot streak continue when United visit Dens Park on August 30?
“If I can bring that habit over here, I think the fans will love me – and that’s the goal,” he smiled.
“Something just comes out of me for those derby games. I love them. I love when the fans come out in numbers – packed stadiums and a great atmosphere. It’s what I live for and that’s why we all play football.”
That would certainly help to catch the eye of Australia boss Tony Popovic, with Sapsford benefitting from the fact Ryan Strain is already a fully-fledged international.
One can guarantee the Socceroos’ gaffer will be watching United closely.
“Playing for Australia is a goal of mine but first and foremost, I’m focused on club football and playing the best I can for Dundee United,” he added.
“If that happens, then other things can happen from that. I don’t really look too far into the future. I just try and focus on game by game and play the best football I can for this club.”
Mata in Scotland?
It would not be a chat with Sapsford without an obligatory question about Juan Mata, the Spanish football icon with whom he struck up a friendship as WSW teammates last season.
So, what chance Mata – an avid golf fan – pays a visit to the home of the sport now that his pal is training in St Andrews on a daily basis?
Sapsford added: “I can try, but he’s a busy man!
“He’s got a lot of things going on. I don’t even know where he’s ending up next season. I asked him and he still didn’t know, so maybe if he decides to retire, then I’ll get him over here and we’ll get a game.”
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