SYDNEY FC has named Dwight Yorke and Mark Rudan as a captaincy duo for the 2006-2007 season, whicks kicks off this weekend.
Yorke was named team captain while Rudan was given the title of club captain at Sydney's A-League season launch last night.
Rudan would be the official club spokesman while Yorke would be the on-field leader, the club said.
"Dwight and Mark offer a lot to this club and the experience they bring is one of the crucial aspects of getting this team to perform to its expectations," Sydney coach Terry Butcher said.
"I have always thought that a football club is only as good as its senior players and in these two (Yorke and Rudan) we have two real pros.
"We have a lot of very talented players who are at the age when they are ready to develop and learn, and they can learn a lot from Dwight and Mark.
"Dwight has earned his respect as captain last year and also with what he has achieved in the game, but I have been very impressed by Mark since I arrived."
Trinidad & Tobago skipper Yorke meanwhile hopes he will be able to take his place in the Sydney side for Sunday's opening-round fixture against Central Coast after recovering from a groin tendon injury.
"We are all looking forward to Sunday tremendously," Yorke said.
"The first game of any season is special but when you go into the season trying to defend a title there is added excitement.
"I hope I can be part of it but the main goal is to make sure we can perform to our best over the whole season and repeat what we did last year."
Rudan said his captaincy role was a "tremendous honour".
"I am a Sydney boy and to be playing for a Sydney team in the A-League has been something I will always remember," he said.
"To be named as club captain is even better.
"We have a big year ahead with the A-League and then hopefully the Asian Champions League so it is time to get down to business."