Author: George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC will have the opportunity to host and accommodate Real Madrid over the next few weeks as part of their 2015 International Champions Cup tour.

On 11 May 2010, both clubs were honoured at the World Football Gala in London. Real Madrid were crowned the European Club of the Century and South Melbourne were crowned the Oceania Club of the Century. With former legendary players such as Ferenc Puskás, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Zinedine Zidane, Raúl, Iker Casillas and current player Cristiano Ronaldo, coupled with Madrid’s record ten European Cup (UEFA Champions League) victories, it was certainly an honour for South Melbourne to be in the same room with one of the giants of world football on that special night.

Ferenc Puskás (2 November 1927 to 17 November 2006) represented both Real Madrid (as a player) and South Melbourne (as a coach). The Hungarian is rated by many as one of the greatest players in the history of football. He was with Madrid from 1958 to 1966 and in that time won the Spanish First Division Championship (La Liga) in five straight seasons from 1960/61 to 1964/65, as well as the Intercontinental Cup in 1960 and the Spanish Cup in 1961/62. He won three European Cups with Real Madrid (1958/59, 1959/60 and 1965/66) and personally scored an incredible four goals as Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 in the 1959/60 European Cup final in Glasgow on 18 May 1960.

From October 1989 until June 1992, Puskás coached South Melbourne in the National Soccer League. He oversaw South Melbourne’s first National League Cup triumph on 25 April 1990 (4-1 against Sydney Olympic at Olympic Park), before overseeing South’s dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Melbourne Croatia in the 1990/91 NSL Grand Final (following a 1-1 draw) for the Club’s second National League Championship. Overall, Puskás managed South in 87 League matches for 46 wins, 17 draws and 24 losses, an overall winning record of 53%.

Over the past few days, SMFC Director and Major Sponsor Andrew Mesourouni (of PlastaMasta Knauf) has been in Madrid with Club Partner Morris Pagniello from the Genova International School of Football. On Sunday, Mr Mesourouni was invited to be a guest of Real Madrid and met current Manager Rafael Benitez as well as President Florentino Perez.

Mr Mesourouni’s trip has allowed South Melbourne FC to build a more formal partnership with Real Madrid, with the Club inviting Real Madrid to enjoy unlimited access to its exclusive areas and resources at Lakeside Stadium during their stay in Melbourne over the next few weeks.

South Melbourne FC would also like to confirm that as part of their newly-formed partnership with Real Madrid, both clubs will shortly be hosting a combined event that commemorates the history of both clubs. This event will also formally welcome Real Madrid to Melbourne and to its partnership with South Melbourne FC.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Mr Mesourouni was excited about the new partnership. “Firstly, I’d personally like to thank Real Madrid and in particular Mr Benitez and Mr Perez for going out of their way to make me feel welcome at Real Madrid. As we all know, Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs and brands in world football and to have them open their doors to South Melbourne FC is greatly appreciated.”

“It is quite exciting that as a club, we can return the favour and allow Real Madrid to use our facilities when they are in Melbourne. Building a relationship and partnership with such a huge club like Real Madrid can only be good for us, so we are more than happy to do whatever we can to look after them during their stay in Melbourne.”

“On behalf of South Melbourne FC, I would also like to thank Mr Morris Pagniello of Genova International Soccer Academy for all of his tireless work in assisting us to get to this point. Our relationship with him will also allow for a pathway to be formed, allowing many of our youth players the opportunity to play in Europe if they are good enough. We cannot wait to work with both Real Madrid and Morris over the next few weeks.”

Keep an eye on smfc.com.au and our social media channels for more exciting developments over the next few weeks and months.

South Melbourne FC wishes to inform its members, sponsors and supporters that Football Federation Victoria has confirmed the postponement of the Hume City match that was scheduled to be played at Lakeside Stadium this Sunday 19 July.

Both the Under 20s and Seniors matches will now be played on Wednesday 19 August at Lakeside Stadium.

The Under 20s will kick off at 6:15pm, with the Seniors kicking off at 8:30pm.

Please note that all 2015 SMFC Members will have access to this match by scanning their membership cards at the entrance as per normal.

South Melbourne FC will once again be on the World Stage with one of our youth teams competing in the highly regarded Shanghai Youth Tournament over the next 10 days.

The Club has been chosen by the organisers to represent Australia, with squad members from our Under 15, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 squads all forming part of the SMFC team that will participate in the tournament.

The tournament brings together teams from a range of countries from right around the globe, with Australia, Cameroon, China, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand all represented.

South have been placed into Group C, which places them against a local squad from Shanghai, as well as Russian and German representative sides.

Speaking to smfc.com.au at the airport prior to departing for Shanghai, coach Sasa Kolman was optimistic about the squad’s chances in China.

“It would be a great opportunity for us to see how we are going to go against some big football nations, with some fantastic youth teams from Germany, Russia and Spain all represented in this tournament.

My eyes will be on developing and identifying players from this squad and hope that I can bring them into our Under 20s squad if they aren’t already there as part of this tournament. However it is an experience of a lifetime for these kids”.

Listen to Sasa’ Full Interview Here
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The players that are part of the squad which will be representing South Melbourne FC and Australia are Nicky Edwards, Lachlan Beever, Kirk Kyriakopoulos, Gerry Kavadas, Campbell Dovaston, Matthew Zilavec, Panayotis Avramidis, Massimo Pesce, Vincent Zhong, Costa Mesourouni, Charly Layton, Christopher Kaev, Mathiang Week, Archie Sweeney, Nashir Hussainy, Timothy Tselepis and Wishy Laurie.

With our first match on Saturday night Melbourne time, we wish the boys and coach Sasa Kolman all the best for the week ahead.

Three late goals has given South Melbourne an unforgettable victory over the Melbourne Knights in Friday night’s FFA Cup match at Lakeside Stadium.

After going behind early in the second half, Milos Lujic calmly slotted a penalty with 10 minutes remaining to level the scores, before Nick Epifano scored two memorable goals as South clinched a famous victory against their greatest rivals.

The win also ended Andy Brennan’s time at the club on a high, with the Tasmanian playing a key role in his final game with South before he joins Newcastle Jets in the A-League.

Chris Taylor’s men were keen to ensure there was no repeat of last year’s corresponding fixture, where Knights caused a major upset at Lakeside to knock South of the running for the FFA Cup finals.

Knights were the first team to settle and looked likely to score throughout the first half, with a sensational double block from Thomas Lakic enough to prevent Chris Talajic from scoring.

Andy Brennan later had an opportunity to score after a great ball from Epifano, however the Knights’ Chris May made a smart save to deny the departing Tasmanian.

The game started to heat up when Tim Mala and Stipo Anrdijasevic each received a yellow after an alteraction on the far side of the ground.

Lakic then made his second contribution of the night when he cleared a shot off the line from Andrew Barisic’s goal bound shot.

Knights piled on the pressure after the restart and always looked like scoring, and their pressure paid off after 53 minutes, with Nikola Roganovic unable to keep out Tomislav Uskok’s powerful header.

South looked more likely to equalise after Chris Taylor brought on Leigh Minopoulos and Andy Kecojevic, however after Milos Lujic’s goal was disallowed, South still trailed 1-0 with 10 minutes remaining.

However, a handball in the box gave South a lifeline, with the ever dependable Milos Lujic calmly converting the resulting penalty to draw scores level after 82 minutes.

Less than 60 seconds later, Nick Epifano scored one of the most memorable goals in recent times. The unpredictable winger sprinted down the left hand side, before cutting inside and placing a looping shot into the top right hand corner, sending the South supporters into raptures.

It was chaos at the ground when Brennan broke on the counter in injury time and centred unselfishly for Epifano, who tapped in his second of the game to praise put the result beyond doubt.

In the dying minutes, both Tomislav Uskok and Nikola Roganovic received red cards for their part in an all in scuffle.

Nevertheless, the game finished 3-1, keeping South in the running for the FFA Cup finals and gicing Andy Brennan the perfect send off.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 3-1 MELBOURNE KNIGHTS (HT: 0-0)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Tomislav Uskok (53′)
1-1: Milos Lujic (83’p)
2-1: Nick Epifano (84′)
3-1: Nick Epifano (90+1′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Nikola ROGANOVIC (GK) (sent off 90+2′), 2. Tim MALA, 5. Luke ADAMS, 6. Tom LAKIC (23. Andy KECOJEVIC 81′), 7. Nick EPIFANO, 8. Matthew THEODORE, 9. Milos LUJIC, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 12. Iqi JAWADI, 17. Andy BRENNAN (22. Fraser MacLAREN [GK] 90+3’), 21. Jake BARKER-DAISH (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 57’).

Unused subs: 19. Massimo PESCE, 20 Nick MORTON.

Melbourne Knights:
1. Chris MAY (GK), 4. Ben SUREY, 5. Milan BATUR, 6. Tomislav USKOK (C) (sent off 90+2′), 7. Chris TALAJIC (10. Marian CVITKOVIC 62′), 8. James McGARRY, 11. Jacob COLOSIMO, 12. Ivan GRGIC, 18. Josh BREKALO, 21. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC, 27. Andrew BARISIC.

Unused subs: 2. Luke JURCIC, 14. Rodrigo COVARRUBIAS, 25. Michael O’FARRELL.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that Worrells have joined the South family as a Corporate Partner for the 2015 National Premier League Victoria season.

Worrells are a firm dedicated to solvency management, insolvency administration and forensic investigation. Worrells’ record in insolvency dates back over four decades and their unique systems and resources means that they can leverage more experience and skill to achieve the best commercial outcome to anyone facing insolvency.

Worrells’ proprietary technology is unrivalled in their particular profession. They provide twice daily website updates with relevant and comprehensive file information in real time. This coupled with communication direct with partners and team members – obtaining information and advice has never been easier. The Worrells website provides access to various resources including monthly Worrells – On the Pulse newsletter, Seminar Series, Worrells Workshops and Corporate and Personal Guides to Insolvency. You can view this at – worrells.net.au.

Worrells have Victorian offices are located in the Melbourne CBD, Frankston, Ringwood, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Con Kokkinos, Partner of Worrells said, “Our point of difference is our personal touch. Like South Melbourne FC, we have built our reputation and foundation from a grassroots level, which is evident in our commitment to suburban and regional areas of Victoria . We are happy to be on board with the club and look forward to supporting them and their members in 2015”.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President Leo Athanasakis was excited about the partnership. “I am very pleased to welcome Con Kokkinos and the team at Worrells on board for the 2015 NPL Season. Con has been a long time supporter of the club and having the Worrells team now a part of the South family in a more formal manner is fantastic.”

South Melbourne officially welcomes Worrells on board and looks forward to a great partnership between both organisations.

South Melbourne FC is in mourning after learning of the recent passing of long time member and club volunteer Nick Spanos.

Mr. Spanos (pictured left) or “Mr Fix it” as he called himself, would be known by many at the club for his commitment to the football club that he loved, having volunteered at SMFC for over 50 years. Despite his health issues in the latter years, the loyalty of Mr. Spanos saw him assist around the club throughout the post NSL period, as well as proving to be a mentor for many young volunteers of the club at the time.

As a tribute to Mr Spanos, the playing squad will wear black arm bands for tonight’s match against North Geelong, as well as observing a minute’s silence before the match.

SMFC President Leo Athanasakis added that “on behalf of everyone at SMFC, we extend our condolences to the Spanos family on the recent passing of Mr Nick Spanos. For many of us involved over a number of years we have all had to work with and enjoy great times with such a special man who truly loved all things South Melbourne. We will miss seeing his face around our club and his willingness to help all involved whether it was related to the club or not. We mourn his loss.”

Our thoughts are with his family at this very tough time.

Following the long term injury sustained by Dane Milovanovic in Friday night’s loss away to Oakleigh, South Melbourne FC has signed versatile defender Thomas Lakic from Melbourne Victory for the remainder of the 2015 National Premier League season.

After a superb 2014 season as a key defensive player for Oakleigh Cannons, the mature 18 Year Old Lakic was signed by Melbourne Victory for the 2014/15 National Youth League season and most recently formed a part of the undefeated Melbourne Victory NPL squad in 2015.

Lakic is a calm and composed defender who can play in any position across the back four, as well as being able to also play as a defensive midfielder.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “As with many of our signings in 2015 we have been able to bring in a young player that we see as being an important part of the club for the next few years. With a lack of defensive options due to injuries to both Kristian Konstantinidis and Dane Milovanovic we needed some defensive cover and we believe that with Thomas we have found an adequate replacement.”

Thomas is available to play this Friday night against North Geelong Warriors at Lakeside Stadium. Kick-off for this must win clash is at 8.30pm.

On Friday 29 May, South Melbourne FC is joining forces with Principal Partner Bob Jane T-Marts to once again mark the Fatality Free Friday road safety campaign.

Road safety is a complex issue but if drivers consciously think about road safety and safe driving for just one Friday in the year, that day’s toll – about 5.3 deaths according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau – could be reduced to zero. The Fatality Free Friday campaign believes that if drivers are asked to actively concentrate on road safety and safe driving for just one day in the year, they’ll drive safer for the next few days too and, over time, change their outlook completely, consciously thinking about safety each and every day they get behind the wheel.

Since its inception in 2007 the Fatality Free Friday campaign has continued to expand its operation and is now recognised as Australia’s only national community based road safety program. It has successfully fostered community ownership of complex road safety issues and encourages those who can make a significant difference in reducing road trauma.

Last year’s Fatality Free Friday event was a great success nationally and South Melbourne FC was proud to be involved in promoting this important community safety initiative. To date, over 50,000 people nationally have taken the Fatality Free Friday Pledge and promised to consider their safety on the roads, particularly by:

• Reminding their family, friends and workmates to take extra care on the roads
• Putting their lights on for safety
• Being mindful to drive safely and follow the road rules
• Not speeding and or drinking and driving
• Taking care at level crossings
• Slowing down in the wet and driving to suit the conditions
• Not tailgating other drivers and looking as far ahead as possible
• Wearing a seatbelt
• Not using a mobile phone while driving
• Setting a good example to passengers by driving calmly and safely
• Taking care as a pedestrian when crossing the road or street

To support this initiative, each of the South Melbourne FC playing squad took the Fatality Free Friday Pledge and committed to thinking about their own safe driving practices and to setting an example for others on our roads. All South Melbourne FC fans are encouraged to also take the pledge at http://www.fatalityfreefriday.com and to show their support at our home game this Friday night by signing the inflatable car provided by Bob Jane T-Marts.

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of 20 year old goalkeeper Fraser MacLaren for the remainder of the 2015 season.

MacLaren joins the club from NPL1 side Kingston City, after previous stints at Bulleen and Melbourne Victory Youth.

The son of former South Melbourne 1991 NSL Championship winner and 136 match Hall of Fame member Bruce MacLaren, Fraser is a highly rated shot stopper who is also quite comfortable in the air.

SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the signing. “We look forward to having Fraser join the club for the rest of the season. He has had an outstanding 18 months in the NPL1 competition and we strongly believe he has the qualities to perform at NPL level. It is also pleasing to have the son of a former South champion join our senior squad as well.”

Fraser will replace Peter Gavalas on our senior list, with the latter succumbing to a back injury sustained in the FFV Community Shield match earlier in the season.

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that it has released utility Bonel Obradovic who will be joining Northcote City.

Bonel joined the club from Oakleigh in the off-season and played a total of 9 matches for the club in the first half of the season.

He will now link up with the club that he won the 2013 VPL Championship with in Northcote City.

We wish him all the best for the future.