Cootamundra coach Molla "Mo" Hassani is under no illusions about the challenges awaiting his side this year.
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Having taken over from departing co-captain-coaches Adam McPhail and Brent Farnsworth during the off-season, Hassani has enjoyed limited time with a Strikers squad missing more than 300 Pascoe Cup caps and knows there's a mountain to climb in 2019.
Luckily, the veteran coach knows a thing or two about helping clubs in crisis.
"When I left Coota after my first time coaching, I went to Temora (United) which was struggling quite a bit," Hassani said.
"We didn't have players for first grade and it was tough but we focused on doing the best we could and improving our technique and basic skills.
"I think that's the best way for teams to play - just using basic skills and doing things right."
With the likes of McPhail, Farnsworth, Kayne Cassidy and Luke Berkrey off the books, Hassani must rely on the Strikers' young contingent for the big plays and clutch moments.
We've got some qood quality players in the side and ... I think they can be successful.
- Strikers coach Molla 'Mo' Hassani
It's a task he's looking forwards to.
"(Players) might think they know it all but I have a real focus on techniques over tactics and once a player has good technique, they develop an understanding of the game and that becomes second nature.
"I want them to have a magnet-foot, keep the ball close to their feet and keep it tight.
"The guys might have a tough time understanding my style at the start but I think that once they get it and become more confident, we can really improve as a team."
Hassani admitted it might be difficult to field a second grade men's side given the mixed turnout at Strikers' pre-season but said there was still time to turn things around.
"We had good numbers for the first couple of weeks but that's dropped off a bit, so we're probably only at having a first grade side right now."
"We'll have a better idea by the end of February though when we start playing."
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