Author: George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC is very pleased to announce that Chris Taylor has signed a long-term contract extension with the Club.

Chris arrived at Lakeside Stadium halfway through the 2013 Victorian Premier League season and made an immediate impact on the entire Club, helping to steer the senior side to an eventual Preliminary Final finish.

With the benefit of a full pre-season behind him, Taylor lead South to a record-breaking 2014 season. He oversaw an eleven-match winning streak in the League at the beginning of the season as South Melbourne FC eventually won the inaugural National Premier League Victoria Championship, the Club’s first piece of silverware since 2006. He was recognised for his efforts when he received the 2014 NPL Victoria Coach of the Year award.

As well as football success, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and a professional manner to the Club off the park. His tough, disciplined and professional approach has significantly improved the culture of the football club overall.

As the Head of Football in 2015, Taylor will coach the senior side and also have the responsibility of overlooking the entire NPL football structure and curriculum at the club.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was elated at the contract extension. “Chris’ efforts over the past sixteen months both on and off the park have been nothing short of extraordinary. We cannot wait to continue building the football side of the Club over the next few years, with Victoria’s most successful coach.”

South Melbourne FC wishes Chris Taylor all the best for 2015 and congratulates him once more on his contract extension.

South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm the departure of Jamie Reed ahead of the 2015 PS4 National Premier League Victoria season. In the post-season, the forward has returned to the United Kingdom and recently signed with Welsh Premier League outfit The New Saints FC.

Reed came to South Melbourne FC at the start of the 2014 season after a stint with Chester FC in the UK. He immediately linked up well with Milos Lujic to form one of the most dangerous strike partnerships in the division. Together, they scored 38 goals across all competitions this season.

Reed scored thirteen goals during his 31 matches in both League and Cup competitions, including the match-winning goal against South Hobart in the PS4 NPL Elimination Final on Saturday 20 September. He joins South Melbourne FC’s Hall of Fame after playing his role in the Club’s 2014 NPL Victoria Championship winning side.

We would like to wish Jamie all the best for the upcoming season with The New Saints FC and thank him for what he achieved at South Melbourne FC this season.

To everyone at @smfc thanks for an amazing time. I made friends & memories that will stick forever. I’m now a lifelong fan! #southexpress❤️

— Jamie reed (@jamie7reed) November 10, 2014

South Melbourne FC is seeking an enthusiastic Youth Development Coach to join the club for the 2015 National Premier League Victoria season.

The successful applicant would need to demonstrate that they have had a minimum of three years coaching experience (at any age group).

Only applicants with AFC B License qualifications or higher shall be considered for the interview process.

To apply or for more information, email your resume with a relevant cover letter to admin@smfc.com.au by 5pm on Sunday November 16th 2014.

Last Saturday morning South Melbourne FC played host to its annual Corporate Cup competition, which was held at the sunny Albert Park.

The tournament consisted of twelve sides from all walks of life, with former Major Sponsor and Principal Partner Star21 returning to the tournament after winning the 2013 SMFC Corporate Cup.

Divided into three groups, each group winner would qualify for the final four, whilst the best placed second placed side would also qualify for the knock-out stage.

Group A saw the South Melbourne Media Team take part in the tournament for the third consecutive year. The side was a mixture of many club volunteers and staff members, as well as former South Melbourne FC Hall of Fame member Fernando De Moraes who remains a close friend of the media team. They were joined in the group by the big banks, with both Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank featuring in the tournament. The final member in the group was a youthful K & A Accountants side who featured guest player and former Carlton Football Club legend and 1995 AFL Premiership Player Ang Christou.

Group B was labelled the “Group of Death” prior to the tournament commencing with Black Cod, Victoria Police, Moray & Agnew Lawyers and a selection of SMFC Youth Parents all thinking that they had a chance of progressing through to the final four. It was fantastic to see Victoria Police also participate in the tournament following on from their participation in the Tony Clarke Memorial Shield on September 7 at Lakeside Stadium prior to the South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons clash.

Finally Group C consisted of reigning champions Star21 who were looking to make it back-to-back. They would face a tough test against Trapezi, GPZ Legal and Connexion Media to progress through the group.

After three group matches, the group winners were Commonwealth Bank, Victoria Police and Star21 reaching the final stage of the tournament. They were joined by Black Cod who were the only second placed side that remained undefeated through the Group Stage, edging out the SMFC Media Team and Trapezi as the best second placed side.

In a major shock reigning champions Star21 were eliminated from the tournament in the Semi Final stage by the Victorian Police side, whilst Black Cod overcame a tough Commonwealth Bank side to reach the final also.

The final was a tight affair with Black Cod and the Victoria Police not giving each other an inch during normal time, finishing 1-1 at full time. With the match heading into penalties, Black Cod were able to find a way to victory in an epic contest.

We would firstly like to thank everyone that made the day such a tremendous success and would like to congratulate Black Cod Cafe on being the 2014 SMFC Corporate Cup Champions!

By George Kouroumalis

A record breaking 2014 season has concluded with South Melbourne once again dominating Victorian Football by taking out all of the major honours at the FFV Gold Medal Night at the Grand Hyatt last Friday evening.

After winning the inaugural PS4 NPL Victoria Championship by 7 points from second placed Oakleigh Cannons, South Melbourne players were widely tipped to poll well in the annual FFV Gold Medal Award.

The night started with coach Chris Taylor being awarded the 2014 PS4 NPL Victoria Coach of the Year. This was Taylor’s third Coach of the Year award, having won the award previously on two occasions in 2008 (Melbourne Knights) and 2012 (Dandenong Thunder).

As expected Milos Lujic accepted his award as the 2014 PS4 NPL Victoria Golden Boot winner after scoring a phenomenal 22 goals in 26 league games. He also managed to equal the club record previously set by Jim Armstrong (22 league goals in 1974) and Doug Brown (22 league goals in 1984) in any one league season.

In a remarkable night for the star striker, Lujic was then awarded with the 2014 PS4 NPL Victoria Players’ Player Award. This award was voted by his fellow peers in the NPL Victoria competition and clearly shows the impression that Lujic had left on his opponents throughout a dominant 2014 season.

Finally to top off an amazing night for Lujic, he was awarded the 2014 PS4 NPL Victoria Gold Medal award as the Best and Fairest Player in the competition. Lujic finished the count on 24 votes, one behind Heidelberg United’s Daniel Heffernen who was ineligible to win the award due to being suspended during the year.

Former South winger Goran Zoric finished just behind Lujic on 22 votes, while midfield workhorse Iqi Jawadi was South’s next best performer finishing the count on 17 votes.

A humble and appreciative Lujic took to twitter to thank the South fans following the historic night stating “Wow still cant believe the awards I won last night! Personally its been the best year I’ve had in my career. Thank you”

Wow still cant believe the awards I won last night! Personally its been the best year ive had in my career. Thank you @nplvictoria @smfc

— Milos Lujic (@MilosLujic) October 4, 2014

Lujic is the second South Melbourne player to win the prestigious FFV Gold Medal, with Fernando De Moraes capturing the award in a stunning 2010 season for the club.

The Club would like to congratulate both Milos Lujic and Chris Taylor on what was a successful 2014 NPL Victoria championship season.

Furthermore, South Melbourne FC would also like to congratulate SMWFC player Tiffany Elliadis who became the first ever player in WPL history to claim back-to-back Golden Boot and Gold Medal Awards.

By George Kouroumalis & John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC fans that are old enough to remember the old National Soccer League will recognise the names John Markovski and Andrew Zinni, both of whom were also formerly Socceroos players. Those fans that also regularly follow the progress of our 2014 Youth and NPL 20s side will have seen their sons Josh Markovski and Stefan Zinni representing the Club.

John Markovski was one of Australia’s most talented players throughout the 1980s and 1990s and played for several clubs during the NSL and then a division below in the old Victorian Premier League. There was always controversy when John played against South Melbourne (who he never played for himself) but this made those games all the more memorable to watch. Nowadays, he sits in the stands to watch his two sons Josh and Jonas trying to make their mark in Sasa Kolman’s South Melbourne NPL 20s side.

It has been a big year for 17 year old Josh, who has excelled in the NPL 20s and has been scoring goals regularly during the 2014 season. Speaking to smfc.com.au, Josh was under no illusion that he needs to continue the hard work in order to reach his intended goal. “South is a big club and I have loved every minute here. My objective is to keep working hard and learning the game and one day represent the Club at senior level. It’s great being part of a football club with such a great and proud history.”

Younger brother Jonas has also played a role in the NPL 20s side, however due to his age he has mostly featured in the Under 18s side under coach Panagiotis Panagiotidis. Jonas’ aims are similar to his older brother. “I just want to keep learning and developing my game and so far I have learnt so much at South Melbourne. If I can continue learning over the next few years I also hope that one day I can play senior football and it would be great to play alongside my brother.”

Stefan Zinni is following in the footsteps of his father, possessing similar traits that Andrew Zinni had when playing for Brunswick Juventus and Preston back in the NSL. Stefan’s ability to dribble past and trouble the defenders in front of him has resulted in him scoring plenty of goals alongside Josh Markovski, with the two players being the NPL 20s strike partnership equivalent of Milos Lujic and Jamie Reed. Stefan recently netted a hat-trick in the big win against the Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve on Saturday 16 August.

Having been involved with South Melbourne FC at youth level for the last decade, Zinni also has a very clear and simple aim. “I’d love to one day walk out onto Lakeside Stadium and play for the South seniors. I have played at the Club since Under 8s and would love to follow in my father’s footsteps and represent a big club in Victoria.” Zinni’s younger brother Julian is also part of our program, playing in the Under 15s side that is also coached by Sasa Kolman. Julian nominates his father as the key influence so far in his career. “I think dad has had a big impact on me as a player. I watch tapes of his games in the old NSL and watch his movements to see how he used to score all his goals. I try to take as much as I can from his playing style.”

South Melbourne FC wishes all four boys the very best and would love to see them all representing the senior side in the future.

By George Kouroumalis & John Kyrou

It has been a long four year wait, however with the recent announcement that the Club has been granted a 40 year lease at Lakeside Stadium, construction of its Social club, Futsal centre and Administration offices will now commence and the dream now becomes a reality.

Last Tuesday afternoon, all stakeholders involved in the signing of the 40 year lease met inside the newly constructed Greek Community of Melbourne building in the CBD. Speaking exclusively to smfc.com.au and SMFC TV, The Honourable Matthew Guy (Minister for Planning) was elated that construction could now commence at Lakeside Stadium. “Firstly, I wish to thank the South Melbourne fans for remaining patient as they waited for this moment. We are pleased that a resolution of the 40 year lease has been achieved and that an iconic Victorian sporting club in South Melbourne FC can thrive in facilities that it deserves.” Minister Guy added that “we are also very pleased to honour the promises made to the Club.”

South Melbourne FC legal representative and Head of the Greek Community of Victoria, Bill Papastergiadis, was also thrilled at the resolution. “South Melbourne is not only an iconic football club, it is part of the Greek community of Victoria and its long history. I am very pleased that the Club has now secured itself at Lakeside Stadium for the next forty years and given itself a fantastic base in order to grow.”

Full interviews with both Minister Matthew Guy and Bill Papastergiadis, along with South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis, Chairman Nick Galatas and SMFC Director for Youth Development Andrew Mesourouni can be seen exclusively on Tuesday night on SMFC TV on Channel 31 at 7PM.

It is expected that the Social Club area will have the capacity to seat close to 300 people and provide South Melbourne members and fans alike with an area to enjoy pre and post-match, as well as during the week. Part of this exciting new facility will be large screens showing many sporting events from around the world, as well as a new modern museum featuring the highlights, trophies and memorabilia of South Melbourne’s 55 year history.

The Club’s futsal court to be built in the remaining space, will be state of the art, which will be enjoyed not only by the club and its members but the local community.

South Melbourne FC is keen to have construction completed by early 2015 in preparation for the new National Premier League season

By George Kouroumalis & John Kyrou (Photo by Skip Fulton)

At only sixteen years of age, young defender Sam Kagioglou is making a mark for himself in South Melbourne FC’s NPL 20s side in 2014. Older South supporters might see the surname Kagioglou and recall that Sam’s grandfather (also named Sam Kagioglou) was a goalkeeper for South Melbourne Hellas in the 1960s.

Like many Europeans, senior Sam Kagioglou migrated to Australia in the 1960s in order to give himself and his family a better way of life. With football being in his blood, he joined and was part of South Melbourne’s squad for four seasons between 1964 and 1967. Whilst he mostly played second fiddle to the many great South goalkeepers of the time in Harry Vamvakas, Panayiotis Tsitsos, Sam Service and Heinz Wenzl, Sam still contributed when given the opportunity to do so during South’s 1964, 1965 and 1966 Victorian State League Championship winning seasons. Along the way he played alongside many great players, including with arguably the greatest of them all in Con Nestorides during 1966 and 1967.

His grandson has emerged under Sasa Kolman’s guidance in 2014 to become a tough and uncompromising defender with a wonderful ability to slide in and win the tackle. Obviously born into a South Melbourne family, junior Kagioglou joined South Melbourne FC in the Under 10s and has since progressed through the junior ranks right up to Under 20s level. “I really love the Club. From a young age, my grandfather gave me an understanding of not only what the Club means to our family but also what it means to Australian football.”

Junior Sam reflected on his own memories of supporting South Melbourne on the terraces. “In my earliest years I remember going to Lakeside Stadium and enjoyed seeing the Club in the old National Soccer League. One of my fondest memories is when Vaughan Coveny scored against Parramatta Power (in a 2-1 win) in front of a packed crowd (10,005 on Sunday 14 December 2003). I hope that one day I will get a chance to emulate Vaughan and represent this great Club at a senior level. Having said that, wearing the South badge even at youth level is something that I also cherish. I really want to see the Club back on the national stage one day and I would love to be a part of it.”

A former professional defender himself, Kolman has been impressed with Sam’s willingness to learn and his ability given his young age. “Our Under 20s side has made wonderful progress over the past two months and one of the reasons for this is because we have stopped leaking silly goals at the back. Sam has played his part in this and he has fantastic ability at only sixteen years of age. You can clearly tell how much he loves playing for the Club given his family connection.”

South Melbourne FC wishes Sam Kagioglou the very best not only for this season but also for the next phase of his South career. We hope that one day we will see another Sam Kagioglou lining up for the senior South Melbourne side again.

Pictured: South Melbourne Hellas’ 1966 Victorian State League Championship winning squad pose for a team photo before a match against Pan-Hellenic in Sydney.

Back Row: Sam Kagioglou (GK), Takis Mantarakis, John Margaritis, George Katsidis, Sam Service (GK), Boulis Kambouropoulos, John Bedford, Andreas Roussis, Con Nestorides.
Front Row: Jim Pyrgolios, George Papadopoulos, Leo Damianakos, Laki Litopoulos, Ernie Ackerley, Mike Mandalis.

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC was thrilled to have members of Down Syndrome Victoria’s Club 21 in attendance during our home match against Hume City on Sunday evening at Lakeside Stadium.

Down Syndrome Victoria works to empower individuals with Down Syndrome for a lifetime of meaningful inclusion within the community.

The group in attendance on Sunday enjoyed the fantastic South Melbourne win and also received a South Melbourne FC pack that included the latest merchandise for them to wear proudly. One lucky member of Club 21 also received boots from Tyson Holmes.

The excited attendees met with all of the South Melbourne players in the rooms post-match and also had a chat to SMFC TV ahead of Tuesday’s episode on Channel 31.

We hope that Sunday’s football experience at Lakeside Stadium put a smile on the faces of such brave individuals and their families.

For more information about Down Syndrome Victoria and to learn more about the condition as well as being able to support this great organisation, please visit www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au.

By George Kouroumalis (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC was eliminated from the 2014 Dockerty Cup after being defeated 0-2 by the Melbourne Knights in their Quarter Final derby on Wednesday evening at Lakeside Stadium. With the match also acting as a qualifier for the inaugural FFA Cup, it was the Knights that ultimately qualified for the tournament at South’s expense.

Chris Taylor’s side started the game positively as Leigh Minopoulos went close to scoring on two occasions, firstly when his long speculative drive hit the crossbar and secondly when he was just unable to finish off some fantastic interplay after linking up well with Nick Epifano. The Knights also missed a great chance when new signing Stipo Andrijasevic hit a shot just wide of the target from six yards out. The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when Andrijasevic latched onto the loose ball before parting a lacklustre South defence to find Tomislav Uskok unmarked in the area. With only South goalkeeper Jason Saldaris to beat, Uskok buried the ball into the back of the net to send the away supporters into delirium. Andrew Marth’s side continued to dominate play after the goal as Daniel Visevic almost doubled their advantage minutes later, however he was denied thanks to a solid save by Saldaris.

South fans demanded a response from their team in the second half but instead it was the Knights who came out of the blocks full of confidence. Andrijasevic missed yet another golden chance to get on the scoresheet from close range. It didn’t matter because moments later he set Shayan Alinjad on his way as the midfielder used his pace to speed past a non-existent South defence before getting onto the score sheet and doubling the Knights’ lead. From there, the Knights were happy to sit back and absorb the pressure as South tried to get back into the match but ultimately did not force Chris May to make a meaningful save in the Knights goal. The Knights nearly had a third goal when Leo Athanasiou’s drive was saved well by Jason Saldaris after the goalkeeper had been badly exposed by his defence again.

The full-time whistle confirmed the Melbourne Knights’ return to the national stage since the demise of the old National Soccer League in 2004 and eliminated South from both the Dockerty Cup and from qualifying for the Westfield FFA Cup this season. Whilst the loss is a bad blow to South, it allows the team to now solely focus maintaining its four-point lead at the top of the National Premier League Victoria when it hosts Port Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Kick-off is at 5PM.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 0-2 MELBOURNE KNIGHTS (HT: 0-1)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Tomislav Uskok (42′)
0-2: Shayan Alinejad (58′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 7. Nick EPIFANO (17. Jamie REED 54′), 8. Mathew THEODORE (15. Kobbie BOAHENE 73′), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES (6. Dimi TSIARAS 73′), 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI (18. Dion KIRK 77′), 14. James MUSA, 27. Leigh MINOPOULOS.

Melbourne Knights:
1. Christopher MAY (GK), 3. Sam TORRENS (11. Nikola SRBINOVSKI 90+3’), 4. Ben SUREY, 5. Milan BATUR, 6. Tomislav USKOK, 7. Daniel VISEVIC, 8. Leo ATHANASIOU (17. Jordan O’DOHERTY 72’), 9. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC (10. Marijan CVITKOVIC 89’), 12. Ivan GRGIC, 14. Michael DOYLE (13. Antun KOVACIC 79’), 19. Shayan ALINEJAD.

SMFC Man of the Match: Leigh Minopoulos
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Wednesday 25 June 2014