Friday, 5 March 2004 12:00 AM
South Melbourne legend, Mehmet Durakovic, yesterday announced his retirement at the end of this season. His NSL career has spanned five clubs and totalled 360 NSL games. He spent fours years in Malaysia – winning three Championships and has represented Australia on 64 occasions.
It is fitting that Durakovic is ending his career with South as he notes one his his career highlights as being named in South’s Team of the Century in 2000. His other most notable achievement was marking Maradonna in the Socceroos’ World Cup playoff against Argentina. “I’ve had a really good run and wouldn’t change one minute of it,” Durakovic said.
Despite battling a calf injury, Mehmet hopes to play in South’s second final against Marconi at Bob Jane Stadium on March 14th. While his place in the team is yet to be determined, he will be farewelled to the crowd prior to kickoff in what looms as a blockbuster game for South Melbourne. South CEO Mark Patterson said “Mehmet is a champion of this club and I hope a big crowd can turn out to show their appreciation for a true Australian soccer legend”.
South’s home final will be held at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday 14th March at 7:00pm. Tickets are available online or through the club from Tuesday 9th March.