FORMER Wynnum Wolves captain Jacob Krayem says his move to New Zealand has delivered a major step up in football standards as he embraces life in the inaugural FIFA Oceania Football Confederation professional competition.
Krayem joined South Island United in January for the first season of the new OFC Pro League, bringing to a close an eight-year stint at Carmichael Park where he became a mainstay in the Wolves’ senior squad.
Now competing across the Pacific, the central defender said the experience had exceeded expectations both on and off the pitch.
“Yeah, it’s been great. It’s been a different experience,” Krayem said.
“I mean, getting to travel everywhere and play in some countries that you never thought you’d even visit, let alone play in.
“And just being in a professional environment, training every day and playing with really good players too — it’s been a great experience.”
Krayem believes the standard of the OFC competition has surprised many, describing it as a clear level above Queensland’s NPL.
“I definitely think it’s a little bit better than the NPL for sure. I definitely think it’s a step above,” he said.
“All the South Island boys are super talented — very talented, very strong and very physical — very good technical players as well.
“So it is actually a much better standard than I think a lot of people actually think it is.”
South Island United secured a top-four finish, keeping their finals hopes alive under an expanded post-season format.
“So I think the top three out of the top four goes straight through to the semi-finals, and then whoever comes fourth gets a playoff game to go to the semi-finals,” Krayem said.
“So we get a bit of a better chance than those bottom four teams, which is great that we secured that.
“Hopefully we can just go there and — I think on the 6th we play Fiji in our first game — so hopefully we can beat them and then get onto it.”
While he has featured regularly, Krayem said the demands of the competition — including a compressed schedule — meant rotation was inevitable.
“I’ve been on the bench the last couple of games, but I think I’ve played about 10 of the 14 games so far,” he said.
“With this next stage of the competition, you’ve got four games in about nine days, so everyone’s going to be on the bench at some point.”
Off the field, the defender said adjusting to life in a new country had been a challenge, but one he had embraced.
“It’s always a bit challenging going somewhere new for the first time, but it’s been great, you know, a good experience,” he said.
Krayem also credited South Island United coach Rob Sherman — a veteran Welsh manager who joined the club after coaching Fiji at international level — as a key influence.
“He’s great. He’s got heaps of knowledge,” Krayem said.
“He’s had a long career in the game and obviously came in after coaching Fiji at international level.
“So it’s been great to learn from him.”
Looking across the competition, Krayem highlighted the quality of rival teams, particularly the Solomon Islands outfit which has a connection to Wynnum Wolves.
“They’re amazing. They’re actually a really good footballing side,” he said.
“I think they’re probably one of the teams that like to play the most in the Pro League, which is really great to see.
“They’ve got some great players there.”
Krayem said the support for football across the Pacific had also stood out, with strong crowds adding to the atmosphere.
“I know Jez (Lofthouse) absolutely loves it,” he said.
“They’ve treated him so well, and they’ve really embraced him as a person as well as a player.
“When you go there (Solomon Islands), they get about 15,000 people at games as well.
“So it’s a great environment and something you don’t always get at this level.”
Turning his attention back to Brisbane’s bayside, Krayem said he had been keeping a close eye on the Wynnum Wolves’ season from afar.
“They started off really good. They were quality and clinical in front of goal at the start of the season,” he said.
“Every season you have your little bumps and slumps, but I’m sure they can turn it around soon.
“You have little hiccups — that’s just football.”
