Category: News

Monday, 23 February 2009 11:21 PM

By James Belias

South Melbourne FC kicked-off its 50th Anniversary celebrations in great style on Saturday night, as the club officially launched season 2009 with a star studded invitation dinner.

The luxurious event held beneath the stars on the Albert Park club’s lakeside stadium pitch attracted local dignitaries, media personalities and past greats of South Melbourne FC including multiple Championship winning captain and coach Ange Postecoglou, the inspirational Jimmy Armstrong, the legendary Jim Pyrgolios and former President George Donikian.

Upon arrival, guests were escorted onto the hallowed turf of Bob Jane Stadium to enjoy champagne and canapés prior to the commencement of proceedings.

Guests mingled and shook hands with former South Melbourne FC players such as Takis Mandarakis, Jim Pyrgolios, Jimmy Armstrong, Dean Anastasidis, Ange Postecoglou, George Papadopolos, Peter Tsolakis, Manny Anezakis, Giovanni Batticiotto, Marko Fode, Frank Micic, Con Mandalis, Chris Kalafatidies and Ulysses Kokkinos amongst others.

Board member and the evening’s MC George Triantos gave a rousing speech, welcoming guests and naming each of the former players in attendance, who each received warm and generous applause.

Club President Leo Athanasakis also welcomed the 300 strong crowd and invited everyone to be a part of what will undoubtedly be a historic year for the Australian soccer giants.

Senior coach Michael Michalakopoulos then paid tribute to the senior squad who barely hours earlier had been crowned 2009 Hellenic Cup Champions after defeating Heidelberg United 3-0 in the final. Michalakopoulos told eager listeners that the club is aiming only for the 2009 Victorian Premier League championship to celebrate the club’s 50th year.

Ramazan Tavsancioglu was announced as the 2009 club captain with returning great Vaughan Coveny and defender Steven O’Dor honoured with vice captaincy roles. Fan favourite ‘Rama’, as he is affectionately known, also spoke of the player’s focus and desire for success in 2009.

The three captains then removed their jackets, to reveal South Melbourne FC’s three strips for the 2009 season, much to the delight of the crowd on hand.

Three stunning heritage strips were unveiled, with the first two (by apparel sponsor Errea) representing two of the clubs foundation clubs which merged to form South Melbourne FC in 1959.

A striped blue and white shirt paying tribute to Hellenic was an immediate hit with the crowd, as was the more familiar white with red ‘v’ South Melbourne United. These two strips will only be worn for the first two matches of the season, against Dandenong Thunder (this Sunday) and in round two against Heidelberg.

The long awaited main playing strip by 2009 apparel sponsor adidas, which will be South Melbourne’s 2009 shirt for the remainder of the season, was then unveiled with unanimous approval judging by the applause from the crowd.

South 2009 shirt sponsor was also announced, with MiRoamer, a company making massive in-roads in Europe with their internet radio technology, renewing their major sponsorship. Antenna Pacific, Coffex Coffee, Kinisi Live, and OBC Interiors who are sponsoring the back of the playing shirt, were also announced as sponsors.

Long-time South Melbourne fan and multimedia developer Paul Zarogiannis compiled a 13 minute tribute video which saw emotions running high after it was screened to the appreciative guests. The video which features photos and videos from South 50 year history is absolutely incredible and a “must-see” for all South Melbourne FC fans, young and old.

The night concluded with player auctions, a silent auction and a raffle – all of which raised a considerable amount for South Melbourne FC. Another highlight was the impromptu speech by former President, Channel 10 news reader and media celebrity George Donikian who amused all with the story of his recent prime-time pro-South ‘propoganda’ on Triple M!

As the present players celebrated their Hellenic Cup triumph and guests mingled with the former greats, one could not help being captured by the atmosphere and the feeling that something great is brewing for South Melbourne FC in 2009, the club’s 50th year.

All football lovers are encouraged to join the club as members in 2009.

 To view all images from this event, please click here

Monday, 23 February 2009 10:44 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC completed 2009 pre-season preparations in the best possible way by defeating rivals Heidelberg United 3-0 in the final of the Hellenic Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Heidelberg had enjoyed a rare period of domination over South in recent years, taking four points off the blues in the 2007 season and then defeating South in both home & away matches in 2008. The Bergers went into the match as reigning Hellenic Cup champions and having beaten Lalor Florina in the North/West semi final. South went into the match on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win over the Oakleigh Cannons in the South/East semi final, with a Vaughan Coveny goal in the last minute of extra time winning the tie for the lakeside club.

Heidelberg began the match the stronger of the two sides, winning several corners but failing to make any use of their dominance. Their best chance came from a low shot from the right that beat South goalkeeper Tomi Tommich at his near post, but luckily the ball hit the side netting and stayed out. Despite starting slowly and nervously, South eventually got into the game and created several opportunities of their own. Gianni De Nittis went close, forcing a good save from Heidelberg’s goalkeeper after a lovely cut-back ball from Goran Zoric.

Vaughan Coveny, who will complete a personal milestone of 100 South Melbourne goals if he can score just three goals in the upcoming season, showed his class before halftime when his shot put South into the lead. The ball fell to his feet at the edge of the area and the big Kiwi hit a lovely shot with his left foot, with the ball flying across the face of the Heidelberg goal and into the bottom corner of the far post. The goal was almost identical to the effort that Coveny scored in the previous week against Oakleigh.

From there, South completely dominated the match and should have been 2-0 up before the break, however a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score at just 1-0. That changed shortly after the re-start, when a Bergers foray forward was stopped by South, who quickly surged forward in a counter-attack. An excellent ball played over the Bergers defence found Zoric on the left hand side. With an acre of space to run into, Zoric charged towards goal, dummied the keeper then passed the ball across to the incoming De Nittis, who had the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net.

With this 2-0 lead, South did not want to make the mistake of slacking off like the previous week, when Oakleigh scored two quick goals to get back into the contest. Fernando De Moraes made sure that would not happen against the Bergers, whilst living up to the saying “saving the best for last” with a goal of high class that killed the game off. Zoric found himself one-on-one with the keeper but his effort was spoiled. The ball fell to De Moraes outside of the penalty area. The Futsalroo had the composure and the time to stop, assess where to place his shot, then hit a beautiful curling effort which sailed into the top far right corner of the net, leaving the Bergers keeper completely rooted to the spot.

Despite the match being over as a contest, South were keen on keeping a clean sheet. Coach Michael Michalakopoulos substituted Tommich for youngster Andrew Sfetkopoulos, giving the ex-Altona Phoenix player time in between the sticks. Heidelberg’s only serious chance was a shot that hit the post but apart from that the Bergers were reduced to long-range shooting that was comfortably handled by the South defence.

Zoric was named as player of the match, and captain Rama Tavsancioglu spoke of the trophy “hopefully not being the only trophy that we will win this season.” The Hellenic Cup triumph was South’s third, after beating Yarraville Glory 2-0 in 1984 and Oakleigh 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time in 2007.

South’s first match is against newly promoted Dandenong Thunder at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday 1st March, kick-off at 6pm. Supporters are strongly encouraged to come out in force to make sure that the team gets its 50th year underway in style.

Click here to view the Hellenic Cup Photo Gallery

Tuesday, 17 February 2009 7:24 PM

Last Sunday saw hundreds turn out to partake in the South 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.

A large amount of Junior SMFC members signed up and received their complimentary football.

Click for pictures

Sunday, 15 February 2009 10:17 PM

By John Kyrou | Photo by Paul Touliatos

South Melbourne FC has progressed through to the final of the 2009 Hellenic Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Oakleigh Cannons on Saturday afternoon at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.

The two sides had met in successive Hellenic Cup finals in recent years of competition, with one win apiece. In 2006, Oakleigh defeated South 2-0 in the final at Port Melbourne’s Anderson Reserve. South took revenge the following year at Northcote City’s John Cain Reserve, beating Oakleigh 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of regular and extra time. With promotion to the final giving the winner the chance to win the $10,000 prize money on offer, the game was always going to be very closely fought.

South began the match strongly and had several half chances to take the lead. Midway through the first half, Fernando De Moraes opened the scoring with a goal of class that gave supporters hope that the Futsalroo was back to achieving his devastating 2006 form. After receiving the ball on the edge of the area, De Moraes rounded an opponent before firing an excellent shot across Oakleigh goalkeeper Adrian Cagalj, and into the far corner of the net.

Returning legend Vaughan Coveny had been working extremely hard up forward in the hot conditions, and his job had been made more difficult when partner Nathan Caldwell was badly injured thanks to a strong tackle by former South player Robert Wynne. Rama Tavsancioglu had shown his usual outstanding commitment and good form during the game, and it was his excellent ball to Coveny that put the former Kiwi international through on goal. Coveny showed his class by easily lobbing the ball over the advancing Cagalj and into the empty net to put South 2-0 up.

However disaster struck shortly after Coveny’s goal, when a soft cross from the right by Oakleigh was unfortunately deflected into South keeper Tomi Tommich’s goal by Shane Nunes. Minutes later, Oakleigh were on level terms after South fell asleep at the back, allowing for an easy header to be put past Tommich to give the Cannons an undeserved equalising goal.

South continued to press forward to try and snatch a winning goal. Oakleigh began to get into the game, creating half chances for themselves but most were comfortably dealt with by the South defence. Despite chances for both sides, the regular time ended with the scores locked at 2-2. Two extra time periods of 10 minutes each were played and again both sides went close to scoring. South had Tommich to thank for a few excellent saves while at the other end Petrovich went close with a long distance shot.

With one minute remaining, Coveny proved to be the match-winner, after the match seemed to be heading for a penalty shootout. The ball was played into a crowded penalty area but somehow found its way to the big Kiwi, whose first-time shot flew into the bottom right corner of the goal, giving him a double for the afternoon. Oakleigh pressed forward for one final opportunity, but Tommich made an outstanding one-on-one save to ensure South would progress through to the final.

The final will be played next Saturday 21st February at Northcote City’s John Cain Reserve. A win for South will give the club its third Hellenic Cup championship, after beating Yarraville Glory in 1984 and the 2007 triumph against the Cannons.

South’s Record in Hellenic Cup finals:
1984: SMFC 2-0 Yarraville Glory
1986: Northcote City 3-1 SMFC
2000: Yarraville Glory 1-1 SMFC Youth (2-1 AET)
2003: Bentleigh Greens 1-0 SMFC
2006: Oakleigh Cannons 2-0 SMFC
2007: SMFC 1-1 Oakleigh Cannons (4-2p)

Monday, 9 February 2009 11:11 PM

South Melbourne FC is proud to announce the signing of club great and New Zealand’s highest ever goal scorer Vaughan Coveny.

Returning to the club where he has spent over 9 years both at National League and State League levels, Coveny returns with an enviable goal scoring record which has seen him play at the highest level of the sport.

The last 4 seasons has seen Vaughan play for A league clubs Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix having scored 14 odd goals.

He joins South for what will be his second stint at the club having already played 276 games and scoring 97 goals between 1995 and 2006.

Affectionately known as “Horsey” Coveny has won 2 Championships with South and was part of the team that represented the club at the FIFA World Club Championships in Brazil during 2000.

The club welcomes back one of South’s favorite sons and looks forward to him being a part of the club well beyond his playing days.

Monday, 9 February 2009 11:10 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce their squad for the 2009 Victorian Premier League

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 experienced VPL performers such as Stiven Mrkela (Altona Magic) and the return of club stalwart and new Zealand international Vaughan Coveny (Wellington Phoenix).

Recently appointed SMFC Director of Football Ange Dallas 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 the club’s 50th year. 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 2009. 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 in this very important year.”

The 2009 senior squad is as follows:

1. Tomi Tommich
2. Shane Nunes
3. Rhodri Payne
4. Steven O’Dor
5. Con Blatsis
6. Eddie Cetkin
7. Nic Curtis
8. Vaughan Coveny
9. Gianni De Nittis
10. Joseph Youseff
11. Yusef Yusef
12. Sam Torrens
13. Francesco Stella
14. Ramazan Tavsancioglu
15. Fernando De Moraes
16. Stiven Mrkela
17. Danni Radojicic
18. Goran Zoric
19. Nathan Caldwell
20. Stefan Sardellic
21. Matthew Foschini
22. Sebastian Petrovich
23. Andrew Sfetkopoulos

Please click here to view the squad with profiles

Wednesday, 28 January 2009 11:16 PM

South Melbourne FC launched its 2009 membership campaign at Nikos cakes in the heart of the Oakleigh community last Saturday afternoon.

The response was overwhelming as many South admirers and supporters pledged their support to the club by signing up for memberships and committing to merchandise for 2009.

What was especially pleasing was the large number of South Junior supporters that signed up and mingled with the playing squad.

Importantly, the club has shown that even though it is has been displaced from its national league status, it still is very much in the hearts and minds of those that continue to identify and associate with the famous blue and white of South Melbourne no matter where they reside.

Earlier that day, the SMFC U/21 crushed Oakleigh Cannons U/21 12-2 during a Hellenic Cup first round clash.

Friday, 23 January 2009 2:36 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that it has secured a highly prized signing in Altona Magic Captain Stiven Mrkela.

Mrkela joins South well credentialed, having played an integral role in Altona Magic’s recent achievements and being one of the most consistent and outstanding players of the Victorian Premier League.

A right sided player, Stiven has played in the centre of defense and right back.

He also is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder which is sure to provide coach Michael Michalakopoulos with options for his defensive makeup.

South welcomes Stiven to the club in its 50 year Anniversary and looks forward to him playing a key role in season 2009.

Player Profile:

Full name: Stiven Mrkela
Nickname: Mercs
D.O.B: 20/10/1981
Age: 27

Club History:

Altona Magic Soccer Club: 2004-2008
Fawkner Blues Soccer Club: 2003
Altona Magic Soccer Club: 2000-2002
Australian Institute of Sport: 1999
Victorian Institute of Sport: 1997-1998

Honours:

Foxtel Cup Champions (Altona Magic SC): 2008
Club Captain (Altona Magic SC): 2006-2008
Victorian State Team Representative (China): 2007
Foxtel Cup Runners Up (Altona Magic SC): 2006
Vodafone Cup Runners Up (Altona Magic SC): 2004
Victorian State Team Representative (Fiji): 2003
Player of the Year (Altona Magic SC): 2002
National Youth League Champions (AIS): 1999

Friday, 16 January 2009 2:59 PM

South Melbourne FC is seeking the services of a volunteer team manager for the Under 21 team.

The ideal candidate will assist the Under 21 coach during training sessions and match days and be responsible for player welfare and FFV compliance.

The candidate must possess a high degree of professionalism and organization and preferably have worked in such a role or similar role in the past.

Please email all resumes to Ange Dallas at football@smfc.com.au

Thursday, 15 January 2009 11:59 AM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that Ramazan Tavsancioglu will continue at club for the next 2 years having committed to a contract late last year.

Rama has been a integral and passionate member of the team over the last 4 years playing a significant role in the 2006 championship win.

Having been pursued by many clubs both locally and abroad, Rama will continue his career in the blue and white for some time to come.

Throughout 2008 he captained the club and displayed true leadership and commitment during a tough year.

Ramazan was upbeat about 2009 and his desire to win another championship stating :

“I love playing for the club and love the fans who have really taken to me during my time here so re-signing for South was my priority.

This year is very significant, given the club’s 50 year anniversary and all the players are very much aware that we have to improve on last year’s performance.

The coaching staff and players are all working hard during the off season so as we can be the best we possibly can.

We need the fans to get behind the club and the players this year more than ever.”

The club looks forward to seeing Rama play a leading role in the team’s fortunes for 2009 and further enhancing his reputation amongst the South faithful.