LEISTON | INTERNATIONAL PRIDE

Joao Rangel on the mark for Timor-Leste

Leiston’s Joao Rangel was on the International scoresheet this week when he found the net for Timor-Leste in their 3-0 away win in the first leg of the ASEAN Championship against Brunei.

“It’s always nice to find the net for your country and be part of a convincing victory,” he told his club’s media. “We have given ourselves a healthy lead to take into the second leg at home next week as we try to qualify for the Hyundai Cup, which takes place the same time as the World Cup.

“I have been keeping myself ticking over and my main focus is on trying to help us qualify for that tournament.

“Representing your country is one of the best feelings you can have as a player and it’s something really hard to describe. It’s always an honour to wear the badge and be involved.”

The attacking winger has become a popular figure for the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club having arrived a year ago.

Two goals in his first three games for the club certainly helped the settling in process.

“I feel like I settled in really well early on,” he continued. “The players made me very welcome and made it easy for me to fit into the group. The Gaffer, Chris Wigger, put a lot of faith in me this season, giving me the opportunity to play consistently and for 90 minutes, which as a player, is really important.

“I’m grateful for the trust from the staff and the support from everyone around the club.

“I feel from a personal point of view I had a strong season and looking at the season as a whole, it was probably my most consistent season in terms of stats and producing good performances. But there is more to come and I want to improve during the campaign ahead.

“The main goal in 2026/27 is just to help the team as much as possible, to push for the play-offs and improve on what we achieved last season. Personally, I just want to keep developing my game, stay consistent and contribute wherever I can for the team.”

IMAGE: Leiston FC

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