Category: News

Monday, 1 March 2010 11:57 AM

South Melbourne FC kicked-off its 2010 campaign in great style on Friday night, as the club officially launched its 2010 season.

This year saw the Season Launch event held in the Champions Bar in an intimate and cosy affair with approximately 200 guests in attendance. The Champions Bar was looking its best, with players, corporate partners, and fans mingling and enjoying a great evening to commence the new season.

The MC for the evening was Board Member, George Triantos, who welcomed the guests to the event, and opened his address by highlighting the upcoming positive news of the Bob Jane Stadium redevelopment, the new Youth Development Program in the junior set up, and the recent acknowledgement of South Melbourne FC as the Oceania Confederation Club of the Century.

Club President Leo Athanasakis also welcomed the 200 strong crowd and invited everyone to be a part of what will undoubtedly be a great year for the Australian football giants. Mr Athanasakis also announced the major corporate partners for the 2010 VPL season. miRoamer, a company making massive in-roads in Europe with their internet radio technology, was announced as major sponsor. This marks the third consecutive year that miRoamer has secured the major sponsorship of South Melbourne FC. In addition, Antenna Pacific TV, Coffex Coffee, AIS Insurance Brokers, and Souvlaki Hut were also announced as shirt sponsors.

Ramazan Tavsancioglu was announced as the 2010 club captain with defender Steven O’Dor honoured with the vice captaincy role. Fan favourite ‘Rama’, as he is affectionately known, also spoke of the player’s focus and desire for success in 2010. Both leaders spoke about their drive to go one step further and challenge for the VPL title.

The long awaited home playing strip by apparel sponsor adidas was then unveiled with unanimous approval judging by the applause from the crowd. Steven O’Dor was modelling the away kit, as fans looked upon deciding which strip will be purchased for the coming season.

The night concluded with player auctions, a silent auction and a raffle – all of which raised a considerable amount for the Club.

All football lovers are encouraged to join the club as members in 2010.

Sunday, 28 February 2010 9:56 PM

 
By John Kyrou  (Photos by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC broke its Paisley Park hoodoo when the Blues recorded a hard-fought 1-1 away draw against Altona Magic on Sunday afternoon. Substitute Fernando De Moraes’ late equalising goal was enough to earn the side a share of the spoils in the club’s opening match of the 2010 Victorian Premier League season.

South entered the match knowing all too well the horrible record the side had suffered at Paisley Park in recent years. Since re-joining the VPL in 2005, South had played Altona in five matches at the venue and lost every single time. In the previous meeting (round 21, 2009) it had been a resounding 3-0 demolition job by the Magic, with South goalkeeper Tommi Tomich enduring a nightmare game in goals.

This time around, Tomich was in between the sticks for the Magic following his off-season switch to Paisley Park. Ex-South boy Danni Radojicic joined Tomich in the starting eleven for Altona, whilst former South goalkeeper Andrew Sfetkopoulos and former midfielder Jose Vasquez were on the bench for the Magic. South’s starting eleven comprised of four new signings, with two former Altona players in Peter Zois and Daniel Vasilevski as well as James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis.

The first half was an even affair, with few chances created by both sides. South nearly had a dream start less than two minutes in, when a shot from Vasilevski on the left side flew across goal. With Tomich beaten, Gasparis was just unable to connect with the ball, which would have resulted in a simple tap-in. Despite South’s pressure, Tomich seemed comfortable in goals for the home side, something that South had needed so desperately for most of the previous season.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Altona almost had a freak goal, when a rushed defensive clearance from halfway nearly caught Zois off-guard. The custodian had the goal covered, but at the last minute lost his bearings and had to push the ball away for a corner. Shortly after, a set piece was fired into the South area. Zois came out to punch in front of a sea of bodies but could only clear the ball as far as the waiting Tony Saric at the edge of the area. He fired the ball into the net for the opening goal.

South stepped up the pressure in the second half and was unlucky not to be level on two occasions. Firstly, Gianni De Nittis was clearly onside following a beautiful through-ball by Joseph Youssef, but was denied by an offside flag. Secondly, a turn and shot by De Nittis was palmed clear for a corner by Tomich, who was desperate for a clean sheet against his old side. Altona by this stage were happy to defend in numbers before trying to catch the away side on the counter-attack.

South coach Vaughan Coveny introduced De Moraes into the contest with half an hour remaining and the Futsalroo repaid the faith by equalising with four minutes remaining. De Moraes was put through one-on-one with Tomich, and with two Altona defenders on his toes, managed to get around Tomich before chipping the ball into the open goal, sending the hundreds of travelling South fans wild on the nearby hill.

South play host to newly-promoted Bentleigh at Bob Jane Stadium next Sunday afternoon and will be keen on revenge following the penalty-shootout loss to the Greens in the Hellenic Cup final last week.

Click here to view match photos

FINAL SCORE: ALTONA MAGIC 1-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-0)

Altona Magic:
Tommi Tomich, Aleksander Koltovski (Steve Masalkovski 84’), Doug Mladenovic, Dejan Radojicic, Koce Delev (Ali Sanad 46’), Pece Siveski, Kliment Taseski, Tony Saric, Slave Bozinovski, Sime Kovacevic, Pece Cergovski
(Scorer: Tony Saric 30′)

South Melbourne:
Peter Zois, Rama Tavsancioglu, James Stefanou, Steve O’Dor, Rhodri Payne, Joseph Youssef (Fernando De Moraes 61’), Sebastian Petrovic, Marinos Gasparis (Sasha Vranesevic 78’), Daniel Vasilevski, Sam Torrens, Gianni De Nittis
(Scorer: Fernando De Moraes 86’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Daniel Vasilevski
Venue: Paisley Park
Date: Sunday 28th February 2010
Crowd: 1,200 

Friday, 26 February 2010 11:04 AM

On this week’s episode of southRadio, we review the Hellenic Cup Final final between South Melbourne and Bentleigh and preview the Round 1 clash against Altona on Sunday. We also chat to new recruit Marinos Gasparis about his time so far at the club and to also get his views on Round 1.

Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au.

Click here to download Episode 2 of southRadio (MP3 – 11mb) – Right Click & Save As

Friday, 26 February 2010 10:54 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC opens its 2010 Victorian Premier League season with an extremely difficult trip to Paisley Park to face reigning back-to-back Champions Altona Magic.

South go into the match on the back of a reasonably successful pre-season. The Blues won through to the final of the Hellenic Cup competition following an undefeated run in the group stages and wins over Northcote City and Heidelberg in the knock-out rounds. The final against newly-promoted Bentleigh was a tight affair, with the Greens prevailing 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out following a 0-0 draw in normal and extra time.

South travels to Paisley Park knowing too well that statistically it will be up for an extremely tough match. This is in reference to Altona winning all of the five contests between the two sides at the venue since South rejoined the VPL in 2005. The last of those encounters was in the second last round of last season, when Altona put three goals past Tommi Tomich, who had a hand in one of those goals when his poor clearance fell for Carl Recchia to easily score.

In a strange twist, it will be Tomich who will more than likely line up between the posts for the home side, while Recchia will more than likely play for South, following both players switching clubs during the off-season. Ex-South boys Jose Vasquez, Andrew Sfetkopoulos and Danni Radojicic have all joined Tomich at Paisley Park. South will play with some ex-Altona boys, with Recchia, Peter Zois, Daniel Vasilevski and Stiven Mrkela all looking for a place in the starting eleven for the away side.

South coach Vaughan Coveny has a near full squad to choose from. New signings Recchia, Zois, Vasilevski, James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis have all impressed during the pre-season and Hellenic Cup. Keenan has been one of the standouts, looking extremely dangerous with some silky touches and sharp shooting as well as scoring two impressive goals in the later stages of the Hellenic Cup.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday afternoon at Paisley Park.

Thursday, 25 February 2010 11:21 AM

South Melbourne FC was delighted to host the soccer clinics of the Trevor Barker Sports Camps at Bob Jane Stadium recently.

The camp is designed to give kids with cancer and their brothers and sisters an opportunity to have some time-out from cancer treatment and the rigours of hospital visits through participation in a range of sports activities and workshops.

South Melbourne FC was more than happy to support this charitable cause and play a major role in trying to put a smile on the faces of these brave children.

Players that represented South on the day included Sebastian Petrovic, Stefaan Sardelic, and Mackie Simmons. Throughout the day, South’s players conducted multiple clinics, teaching the kids a number of training and warm up drills, ball skills training, as well as playing a series of mini games, which lifted the spirits of the kids and players alike.

Nicholas Szkilnik, SMFC representative who coordinated the organisation of the soccer clinic, spoke with smfc.com.au, and commented on the event that “it was great chatting with the kids and they enjoyed telling us stories of other sports and camps Challenge were doing. We took a photo at the end of the clinic, and the Challenge staff thanked us for hosting the event, hoping to continue our relationship in the future. The kids had a fantastic time on the pitch showing that football has no boundaries and anyone can play, while the SMFC players had a great time entertaining them. Seeing the smiles on their faces despite the difficulties and hurdles they face in dealing with cancer, made it all worthwhile”.

South Melbourne FC is proud to support this wonderful cause and urges all fans to check out the Challenge website (www.challenge.org.au) to learn more about what can be done to support these inspirational kids.

Thursday, 25 February 2010 9:42 AM

Please click here to view the squad with profiles

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce their squad for the 2010 Victorian Premier League season.

The team is brimming with a combination of youthful exuberance, talent and experience.

A number of core players have been retained in addition to being reinforced with a number of talented and experienced players. South has entered the transfer market strongly, recruiting Peter Zois to replace Tommich, James Stefanou and Marinos Gasparis from Heidelberg United, Carl Recchia from Altona Magic, Daniel Vasilevski  from A-League club Newcastle Jets and Joe Keenan from Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.

Departing from South at the end of the 2009 season included Andrew Sfetkopoulos (Altona Magic), Tommi Tommich (Altona Magic), Shane Nunes, Nic Curtis (Northcote City), Con Blatsis (retired), Vaughan Coveny (retired), Francesco Stella (Siena, Italy), Danni Radojicic (Altona Magic) & Goran Zoric (Royal Thai Police United FC, Thailand).

Rookie coach and club legend, Vaughan Coveny will lead a strong side into the 2010 VPL season.

SMFC Director of Football Ange Dallas, speaking to smfc.com.au, stated “there has been a lot of hard work gone into recruiting and preparing a team that the South faithful can be proud of in 2010. We have completed an extensive process where players from all over Australia have trialed at the club in the hope of securing a spot in our squad. There are some young exciting prospects which are set to make their mark throughout the year. We hope that our passionate supporters get behind the team from the outset and support those who have been entrusted to wear the South Melbourne shirt .”

The 2010 senior squad is as follows:

1. Peter Zois
2. Stiven Mrkela
3. Rhodri Payne
4. Steven O’Dor
5. Daniel Vasilevski
6. Eddie Cetkin
7. Joe Keenan
8. Carl Recchia
9. Gianni De Nittis
10. Joseph Youssef
11. Yusuf Yusuf
12. Sam Torrens
13. Sasha Vranesevic
14. Ramazan Tavsancioglu
15. Fernando De Moraes
18. Marinos Gasparis
20. Nathan Caldwell
21. Stefaan Sardelic
22. James Stefanou
23. Sebastian Petrovic

Please click here to view the squad with profiles

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 11:19 AM

Last Sunday saw hundreds turn out to the South’s Community Family Day at BJS.

The picturesque setting provided an ideal backdrop for what was a fantastic day had by all with the local fire brigade, face painting and small sided games all part of the many attractions. This year, many of our junior teams held their training on the day, providing a fantastic start to the day’s festivities.

Many fans and new members made their way to purchase their 2010 memberships and merchandise.

To view a selection of photos of the SMFC Community Family Day, please click here.

SMFC would like to thank all staff and volunteers who assisted in making the day a fun and successful event.

Monday, 22 February 2010 11:17 AM

By James Belias – Photo by Cindy Nitsos

Bentleigh Greens were crowned Hellenic Cup Champions for 2010 after the South Eastern side defeated South Melbourne in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after regulation and extra time could not separate the two.

Gianni De Nittis and Sasha Vranesavic missed two spot-kicks to win the Cup for South after goal keeper Peter Zois had put South in a commanding position during the shootout.

South had been the better of the two sides, despite having played most of the game with just ten men after new signing James Stefanou was given a dubious straight red card for alledgedly pushing an opponent midway through the first half.

Kingston City’s Grange Reserve was the scene as large crowd flocked to see the last season’s Cup winners (South) and the newly promoted Bentleigh Greens (who are back in the Victorian Premier League).

The souvlaki was fresh, the beer was chilled and the enticing carnival atmosphere of the ground was warm as fans flocked from all over Melbourne for the match. Only the key ingredient was lacking; Goals.

Both South and Bentleigh failed to find the back of the net until the penalty shootout.

Blustery conditions, a poor pitch and stifling heat made conditions for the players tough. South Melbourne was without Brazilian ex-patriot Fernando De Moraes (away on Australia Futsalroo duties) and new signing Carl Recchia who was rested.

South found their rhythm more quickly with Englishman Joseph Keenan seeing most of the ball for South. He linked well with Joseph Youssef and Danny Vasilevski throughout the match but despite the South midfield enjoying a lion’s share of the possession, the side’s final pass forward was lacking.

The turning point of the half was the Stefanou send-off, which briefly allowed Bentleigh to regain their footing in the match. But whenever Bentleigh threatened, South defenders Rama Tavsancioglu, Steven O’Dor and Eddie Cetkin were there to clean up.

When the second half picked up, it was more of the same, with both sides failing to fashion any meaningful chances. Bentleigh’s George Stavridis in the right back position was particularly impressive while his team mate Tony Ouliaris was lively but spurned a good chance for the Greens with a long shot.

The game was turned on its head when Tex Apostolakis was sent off for Bentleigh by the referee after head butting South keeper Zois in the face. Zois took exception to a very late body check after he had comfortably caught a floating ball.

The match levelled in terms of personnel on the park, South wasted little time in re-exerting its authority on the match.

The best chance of the game fell to South Melbourne after the Albert Park side caught Bentleigh on the counter attack in the second half.

De Nittis had a shot saved well by the Greens’ custodian, with the rebound falling to another of South’s new signings, Danny Vasilevski.

His shot was blocked by a Greens defender, with the second rebound saved by the goalkeeper. The triple chance would be the closest South got to breaking the deadlock.

Yusef Yusef was brought on by South and with a searing run down the right flank, the nimble-footed speedster cut in between two defenders but failed to put his shot on target.

Despite the loss, South Melbourne look forward to tomorrow evening’s game at Bob Jane Stadium against NTC. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Monday, 15 February 2010 6:44 PM

As of today, South Melbourne FC will be directly managing all of our club’s Girls’ Sub Junior (Under 7s, 9s, 11s teams) and the Junior Girls’ Under 14 team as well.

The SMFC Girls’ teams will be playing out of the Albert Park Precinct.

All coaches will be appointed by Ange Dallas (SMFC Director of Football) and Maryanne Rizopoulos (SMFC Girls’ Coordinator), and will sign SMFC contracts which include:

1. Performance Review mechanisms
2. Responsibilities schedule
3. Football Federation Victorian (FFV) Code of Conduct provisions
4. Annual player written report processes
5. Adherence to the new SMFC Curriculum

In our 51st year, the club is entering a new phase of development both in the construction of new facilities at the Albert Park precinct and more importantly in the design and implementation of the new Youth program. 2010 will be an exciting new year and earmarking the foundation process of many new initiatives in both boys’ and girls’ junior development. As part of the implementation of the ‘One Club Policy’, all junior boys’ teams have come under the SMFC umbrella, as are the junior girls’ teams as well.

Our Women’s Senior, Reserves, State League 3, and Under 16 teams will continue to be operated by SMWFC for the 2010 season.

For any further enquiries regarding the Junior Girls’ junior teams, please contact our SMFC Girls’ Coordinator, Maryanne Rizopoulos on 0411 968 826 or womens@smfc.com.au

Monday, 15 February 2010 4:50 PM

For the third time in four years, South Melbourne has qualified for the final of the pre-season Hellenic Cup tournament after defeating rivals Heidelberg United 2-0 on Saturday.

In blustery conditions at Yarraville’s McIvor Reserve, South overcame a physical opening period to control the game midway into the first half.

It wasn’t until late in the half when a Joseph Keenan free-kick was nodded into the path of Gianni De Nittis by Steven O’Dor. With the striker open in the area, he calmly swiveled on one foot and slammed the ball past Steven Tilovski in the Heidelberg goal.

South sealed the victory and a place in the final early in the second half after a sublime turn by Fernando De Moraes culminated in the Brazilian playing an amazing twenty-five metre ball through the stagnant Heideberg back line and into the path of Keenan.

With the keeper to beat, the Englishman maintained his composure and neatly guided the ball into the back of the net.

South now looks forward to playing Bentleigh Greens in next Saturday’s final, after the VPL newcomers defeated Oakleigh in a highly controversial penalty shootout.

Kick-off at The Grange Reserve is at 6pm.