Aheleas Kotsopoulos set to play his 400th match for West Sydney Berries
The left-winger has gained legendary status at the club with him completing his 17th season with the one team which has displayed loyalty that has been unsurpassed in modern football.
Kotsopoulos lamented his career thus far to Football NSW with a couple of words about how he started, his highlights and who had influenced and assisted him throughout his years at the Berries.
?I first started playing at the Canterbury Marrickville Olympic, now called West Sydney Berries, at the age of 16.
?At the age of 17 in 1995 I scored in my first grade debut.
?Over the years I have seen the club go through its ups and downs. Over these years I have also seen some great players come and go. I have played with the likes of Zoran Illic, Vlado Zoric, Michael Raeburn and club stalwarts Spiro Hantzis and Steve Christoforidis to name a few. Some coaches who have been influential in my career are John Xipolitas and Makis Nezeritis.
?One of the highlights of my career was being given the captaincy arm band by Spiro Hantzis who for many years led the club as captain. It was and has been and honor to be captain of such a historical club.
?Other highlights include winning the 2005 Super League grand final, the 2007 Division 1 Minor Premiership and being a part of the 2008 TeleChoice Premier League.
?Being at the club for 17 years, it has become a part of my family and that is why I have stayed loyal for so long. They always strive for success which I have wanted in my life as well. The club has looked after me in so many ways and given me so many opportunities that I?ve had in my football career.
?The people behind the scenes have held the club up and brought it to where it is today. I would like to make special thanks to Peter Mitrothanasis, Bill Venotoulis, Theo Mitrothanasis and club president Chris Mitrothanasis.
?Having been there for so many years, I will try to be here for as long as I can to help the club nurture and produce new players to continue playing at the highest level possible.
?In the future I would like to see the club have more success in winning titles and producing national and international talent.?
The Berries board have stated that they will be putting on a special acknowledgment for Aheleas on the day.
Football NSW wishes to congratulate Aheleas Kotsopoulos on his 400th game.
