by Callum Ellis
UNIVERSITY of South Wales first team captain Kane Owen has his sights set on securing another piece of silverware this season.
Owen and his team-mates head to Basford United in Nottingham on Wednesday, hoping to return with the BUCS Championship cup.
Fellow Premier South outfit Hartpury stand in their way of lifting the trophy.
Lee Kendall’s side already have the league title in the bag following an impressive unbeaten campaign.
USW secured a 2-0 victory at the USW Sport Park and a goalless draw away from home respectively, when the two sides met at the tail-end of last year.
But the stakes are much bigger this time around as the pair go head-to-head on ‘BUCS Big Wednesday’ in the final fixture of the season.
A consistent figure throughout the league triumph, the skipper Owen has led by example and is relishing the opportunity of more success.
“We’ve all trained well and we’re looking forward to it,” said Owen.
“We go into every game feeling that we’re going to win it but it does help when we’ve played them twice.
“Obviously, we’ll have more footage on them and we’ll have a game-plan to go and win.
“We’ll watch some clips on them; their strengths and weaknesses. Then we’ll go out on the pitch and put it into practice.”
24-year-old Owen was handed the armband by coach Kendall ahead of the campaign.
And the former Cardiff City academy product believes he has taken the responsibility in his stride.
“It feels good [having expectations as captain]. I like the pressure and it’s been a pleasure working with the boys.
“I try and help the boys in any way I can; on the pitch or off it.”
Kendall’s implemented a full-time programme at the Sport Park this season and USW have subsequently reaped the rewards of the early morning sessions.
“Coming in early at six in the morning, it’s all worthwhile when we get to a final.
“We haven’t lost so we will approach the game the same.”
