“A celebration of Hellenic values” – Hellas and Alexandros ready for landmark clash
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
South Melbourne and Heidelberg United are all set for one of their most significant clashes in recent memory, with the two clubs ready to battle it out to be the Hellenic representative in the inaugural Australian Championship Final.
The two Victorian giants will square up against one another on Saturday afternoon at Lakeside Stadium in one of the biggest and most anticipated games of the Australian Championship.
The significance of the occasion has not been lost on the two clubs, with both admitting it stands as a significant chapter in their respective histories.
“It’s probably one of the most important matches we’ve played post the National Soccer League,” South Melbourne co-President Bill Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos.
Heidelberg United manager John Anastasiadis expressed great excitement in the coming edition of the derby, which he has experienced as both a player and as a coach.
“It was the first Australian derby, I would say. So, playing our eternal rivals is going to be a fantastic occasion,” Anastasiadis told Neos Kosmos.
“Hopefully there’s a lot of people there to really send a message to everyone that, you know, these two famous clubs deserve to be at least given an opportunity to go higher, and I think because Australian football needs it.”
Both Anastasiadis and Papastergiadis noted their respective clubs’ great pleasure in making the semis of the inaugural Australian Championship, a success that has been felt by fans, players and staff alike.
The two historic teams will both try to go one step further in a clash Papastergiadis described as “a celebration of Hellenic values and tradition”.
“Both clubs need to be recognised, they need to be supported, and it’s a privilege for us to be matching up against one of the great clubs of the country in the semi-finals,” he said.
“Hopefully, this is a precursor to what football fans can expect going forward in this country with a national second tier that truly engages the public, the supporters and also the players and clubs.”
Looking ahead to the game, Anastasiadis stated his belief that Alexandros’ record-breaking season in terms of matches played by an Australian team has benefited the team more than it has hindered them.
“I think what it’s shown for us is that the more games you play, the better you become,” he said, stating the players have improved and hardened even with the extra mental and physical fatigue.
Regarding Hellas specifically, Anastasiadis stressed the challenge for the players is to make sure they stick to their normal game.
“If we just play our game, play our football, the way we go about things, we won’t have a problem,” he said.
“We know South are very strong on set pieces and throwing, so we’ve got to be ready for that. But at the same token, we’ve got to play our game of football, what we do best, and then let the game take its course.”
Heidelberg United president Steve Tsalikidis expressed great optimism for the clash.
“Every single one of our players looks hungry as hell for this game. I’m confident they’ll get the job done and show all the qualities we have as a team on the park. Fingers crossed we come out on top.”
Papastergiadis praised Alexandros as a well-run club at all levels, noting it is up to Hellas to match their rivals on the field.
“For us, it’s what we want. It’s competition at its finest. We want to be playing the best teams in the country. Heidelberg is one of the best teams, having knocked out three A-League clubs on its journey to the Australia Cup final which they narrowly lost.
“This is what South fans, the South board and the South players want.”
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
