South Melbourne FC confirms the departure of two-time SMFC championship winner Tim Mala ahead of the 2019 NPL Victoria season due to increased work and family commitments.
Mala arrived at Lakeside Stadium from Dandenong Thunder in July 2013. He made his debut against Bentleigh on 21 July 2013 and went on to represent SMFC in 116 league/finals matches, with 135 competitive SMFC appearances in all competitions.
His playing honours during his time at SMFC include being a starting member in two NPL Victoria championships (2014, 2016), the NPL Victoria premiership (2015), the Dockerty Cup (2015) and the FFV Community Shield (2015). Individually, Tim won the SMFC Players’ Player of the Year in 2014 and – due to being a championship player – is an automatic SMFC Hall of Fame & Life member. He also played a part in the club’s media team and was a true gentleman who always put the interests of the club before anything else.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President-elect Nicholas Maikousis thanked Tim for his time with the club. “Having known Tim and his family for over 20 years, we were very fortunate to have such a quality and selfless individual represent the club over the past six seasons. He was an integral part to our success and as such will be always welcomed back at the club as a Hall of Fame member and dual championship winner. He has always lead by example. We wish him all the best for the future both on the pitch and through his exciting new business ventures”.
Also speaking to smfc.com.au, Mala thanked the fans and the club. “South Melbourne FC has become nothing short of a second home to me over the last six seasons. I feel truly blessed to have experienced and been apart of all the highs and lows the club has endured during that time. I walk away with pride knowing I gave everything out on that field as I represented this great club. At South Melbourne we saw well deserved success and I am forever grateful for our loyal management staff and supporters who rode all the bumps with us along the way. A special thanks to everyone involved at the club for making the highlights in my football career an unforgettable time. Thank you for the lifelong friendships created and the memories that I will cherish for years to come. I love this club and wish nothing but the best for its future.”
We thank Tim for his service to the club and wish him all the best for the future.