Sisters will turn from W-League rivals into teammates after Canberra United signed Leena Khamis to bolster their striker stocks for the 2019-20 season.
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Khamis will reunite with younger sister and goalkeeper Shamiran in Canberra for what will be her 12th season in the W-League, having played in the competition since its inauguration.
The 33-year-old striker has made over 100 appearances across stints with both Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers, and sits seventh on the all-time scoring list with 40 goals.
The Khamis siblings and other sister Linda, an assistant coach, formed a family trio at Sydney FC before parting ways and becoming rivals last year.
Leena crossed the city to join the Wanderers, while Shamiran took a chance for greener pastures in the capital.
"I've been in the same team and played with her for a long time but then played against her last season. She actually took me out so I didn't want that happening again and thought I'd join her this time," Leena Khamis laughed.
"It's a special moment for our family because we're together again. We all cherish these moments because they don't come often and I don't know how much longer we'll able to do that. Having another season together is special."
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Khamis is no stranger to coach Heather Garriock either, the two were foundation players at Sydney FC and both found the back of the net in the league's opening weekend more than a decade ago.
But the teammates became cross-city rivals when Garriock joined the Wanderers in 2013.
"I've played alongside her, against her and now I'll be playing for her," Khamis said.
"We're similar in our football style and we're just so passionate about the game. Our philosophies are the same.
"She knows what she can get out of me as a player on-and-off the field. That was a big part of her wanting me to come down to Canberra.
"I haven't played under her but from what I've heard and seen so far, she coaches the way she used to play. It's going to be an enjoyable season."
Khamis is part of a Canberra playing roster overhaul, with Garriock adding new blood as the club chases a return to the finals.
Garriock's side finished eighth last season with three wins, four draws and five losses; scoring 13 goals across across 12 games.
The 25-capped Matilda will join Norwegian international Elise Thorsnes in the frontline, with their arrival to offset the departure of Ellie Carpenter.
"I cannot speak highly enough of Leena as a player and a person," Garriock said.
"She will bring a great amount of experience, drive and accountability to the squad and I'm so pleased she will be in green this season alongside sister Sham."
Canberra is set to unveil two international signings next week to bolster its squad for the upcoming season, which starts with two consecutive games at McKellar Park.
CANBERRA UNITED FIXTURES
Round 1: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday November 17
Round 2: Canberra United v Melbourne City at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday November 24
Round 3: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.30pm Saturday November 30
Round 4: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park, 7.30 Thursday December 5
Round 5: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, 10.15pm (AEST) Friday December 13
Round 6: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Marden Sports Complex, 4pm Sunday December 22
Round 7: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park, 7.30pm Thursday December 26
Round 8: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday January 5
Round 9: Melbourne City v Canberra United at ABD Stadium, Thursday January 9
Round 10: Bye
Round 11: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Lakeside Stadium, 4pm Sunday January 26
Round 12: Ca