Joao ‘Jafonso’ Vasconcelos joined the Club’s roster in September, and after representing City at various FC Pro Open events, the Portuguese is ready to take centre stage alongside Bonanno on Saturday.
The ePL Group Stage event is taking place at Dock10, Media City, Salford, with updates of our group stage games available on X and Snapchat: @ManCityEsports.
And ahead of our opening game against Fulham duo Griffeyfc and LunaticD, Jafonso details his excitement about the upcoming fixtures.
“I’m really excited to play in the ePremier League for the first time,” began Jafonso.
“I almost got the opportunity to play in the league last season but it didn’t work out. So I’m even more excited to play this year with Man City, the champions.
“My preparation has been good. I think the most important thing for me is to keep my level from January where I won the FC Pro Open Cup.
“But it’s also about picking the right players in the draft so I can play my game without limitation. I’d say I’m feeling confident.
“And I know it’s really important to the Club to win the ePremier League and for us as players because the opportunities that come with winning the league are huge.
“I also want to win my first, that is where my thinking is. That would also mean the Club wins three in a row which is a great achievement.”
And looking to be an integral player for City for a third season is Bonanno.
The Argentine helped Man City Esports create history last season, making us the first club to win back-to-back ePremier League titles. Alongside him, Pro Coach Edu Castellano also played a key role in our continued success.
Now, Edu, alongside fellow coach Zezinho, will be looking to guide the team to rewrite history again.
“It’s the first time for Joao competing in the ePremier League. He has experience in the eMLS but being in Europe is different,” said Castellano.
“He’s been adjusting to the items but I think it’s a really exciting experience for him.
“It feels insane to say we are looking to win three ePremeir Leagues in a row.
“And for Mati especially who has been here for both of the title wins we’ve had.
“It would be a huge achievement for him, but also everyone in the team, and that is our wish for them as it will mean they qualify to the World Championships.”
A REMINDER OF THE RULES
This weekend, City will be looking to secure a place straight through to the quarter-finals.
We take on Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Fulham and West Ham in Group A over the course of Saturday and Sunday.
The format for the Group Stage is a double round robin, with Bonanno and Jafonso to play against opponents on their respective console.
For every win, a team will be awarded three points, a draw one point and a loss zero points.
The team who places top of Group A, and the subsequent groups, will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals.
You can watch the games live on the EA FC Twitch channel, with updates on our X, Instagram and Snapchat: @ManCityAcademy.
A full list of City’s fixtures are below:
Fulham v City – Saturday 28 February, 16:10 (UK) kick-off.
West Ham v City – Saturday 28 February, 19:10 (UK) kick-off.
City v Chelsea – Sunday 1 March, 17:10 (UK) kick-off.
City v Crystal Palace – Sunday 1 March, 19:10 (UK) kick-off.
