With the Newcastle Jets set to face the Central Coast Mariners in yet another edition of the F3 Derby in Gosford on Saturday, the Hyundai A-League’s oldest rivalry is also set to leave its mark on the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in January.
At an AFC Asian Cup 2015 event earlier this week, the two mayors of Gosford and Newcastle chose sides for the Oman v Kuwait match to be held at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle on Saturday 17 January 2015.
Two marked balls were placed into the Asian Cup, Gosford Mayor and former Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna selected Oman and Deputy Lord Mayor Brad Luke selected Kuwait.
Both Mayors agreed that drawing on the long standing rivalry between Newcastle and the Central Coast would create a great atmosphere for the tournament.
“Since season one of the A-League almost a decade ago, the F3 Derby is one of the highlights of the season for Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners supporters,” Deputy Lord Mayor Brad Luke said.
“With the derby just days away, we are hoping to extend this rivalry in support of Oman and Kuwait – two of the world class teams competing in the AFC Asian Cup 2015 tournament.”
We will encourage all the Newcastle region and all Jets fans to get behind Kuwait.”