Matthew Mayora: “I play for the team”

Speaking exclusively to FNSW, Mayora opened up about his goal scoring prowess, as well as the chances of Sydney Olympic running into the second round of the competition and his hopes for the future.
FNSW: Firstly Matthew we?ll have to ask you, what was the first club you played for as a junior and in what position?
MM: The first club I played for as a junior was Fairfield Athletic, and I played as a centre midfielder. I loved running everywhere as all kids do at that age.
FNSW: You have previously mentioned to me that you were a defensive midfielder. When did the change happen for you to become an attacker?
MM: Well I started dribbling the ball more and felt much more comfortable in the midfielder to striker?s position. I enjoy taking players on and having a crack at the goals so I guess when I started dribbling the ball more the change happened.
FNSW: Where did you first crack into First Grade and how much did it mean to you?
MM: I first played first grade with Bankstown City, back then George Fernandez was my coach. I then played for Marconi, Bonnyrigg and now Sydney Olympic.
My debut obviously meant a lot to me because every young kid wants to play at the highest level possible. To play with and against some of the players you look up to like Chi Chi Mendez back in those days was just a dream come true so it meant quite a lot to me.
FNSW: Now at Sydney Olympic, what can you see as a difference between Olympic and the previous clubs you played for?
MM: A lot more maturity I?d say. When your growing up your learning a lot, I mean every day I am still learning something. When you play at the highest level and you play well your confidence goes up and you just concentrate on moving forward.
FNSW: Currently the leading goal scorer with eight goals in the TeleChoice Premier League, what can you say is your secret to success up front?
MM: My secret would just be working hard week in, week out. I have had chances to score every week but if I don?t score I am trying to set up goal for the team. 
I am not there only to score goals and be the top goal scorer, I just want to be play good football and be successful every week for people come and watch us.
But in terms of scoring goals, I am always willing to have a crack and have a go because if you don?t you will never score.
FNSW: Speaking of Sydney Olympic, you have had an up and down season this year, do you think the fans have seen everything that the team has already?
MM: I don?t think the fans have seen anything really yet from us, we still have a lot more to show. Each week we do perform but sometimes do not come up with the points.
I mean we still have a few players to come back which would be great, like Anthony Hartshorn and Anthony Doumanis which will make a great difference in our team.
It is not all over yet, we are still there and we are looking stronger under Nick Theodorakopoulos I think.
Even our trainings are great, they are very intense so we still want success.
FNSW: How far do you believe this Sydney Olympic side can go this season?
MM: I reckon finals, even all the way. If we keep working hard at training and then winning more games. I always say don?t ever judge a book by its cover.
FNSW: Having seen where last season?s leading goal scorer Robbie Younis ended up, have you got it in your head to try the same thing and get an A-League contract?
MM: Not really to be honest. I mean you can be the leading goal scorer but then be signed and not score any goals for the club.
What I think clubs should be looking for is consistency in general on the field. A couple of weeks for example I didn?t score but I was still working hard and trying to set up goals for my teammates.
It is not always about scoring for me, it is about working hard and having a strong work ethic.
But at the end of the day it is what the club is looking for. If they are looking for a goal scorer then they will take the leading goal scorer, but if not then they will look for a all-in-all player.
FNSW: You have previously mentioned to me that you had a trial last season with the Central Coast Mariners. Can you tell us a little bit about that and what came from it?
MM: Good experience. I was up there for two weeks and I enjoyed every bit of it. It is something I want in the future, everyone wants to play in the A-League one day.
I learnt a lot from it. Speaking to Lawrie (McKinna) and Fergie (Ian Ferguson) everyday just getting tips on what I have to improve on it was great.
All the boys were great too, it is like a big family up at the Central Coast.
FNSW: Having trained with the Mariners, what do you see as the difference between Telechoice Premier League and A-league level?
MM: The TeleChoice Premier League is much more intense and physical. I would say it is more down and dirty and a lot more push and shove. The A-league can be seen as more pretty football so to speak. You are given more time on the ball and space whereas with the Premier League when you get the ball and turn you always have two players on you.
It is different but I must say you have to be fit to play in the A-League or with the A-League boys. If you?re not fit don?t even bother.
I was lucky because I was in great shape just after the Premier League season last year.
FNSW: Would you like to be seen as just an attacker through the middle or a player who can fit a number of roles on the pitch?
MM: I would rather be seen as a player which can fill a number of roles in the pitch. More so attacking in possibly a striker, attacking midfield, midfield or even right midfield role.
With Gency (Aytek Genc) I played on the right flank in friendlies and even scored and set up a lot of goals.
I like attacking, so various attacking roles would suit me. I have pace and a good shot on goal so that is why.
FNSW: Finally Matthew, what can you say to all the youngsters striving to become a first grade player in the future?
MM: I would say play from the heart and with passion all the time, not just for a kick around. Play to achieve your goals and put in 100% at training, at your games all the time because you do not know who?s watching every week.
FNSW: Matthew, thank you for taking the time to speak to us.
MM: Not a problem Chris, thank you.
-By Chris Georgakopoulos