Sans Souci FC: Giant-killers of the Waratah Cup
With the Waratah Cup in full swing and the round of 16 all but assured, one particular association team has hit the headlines for its fairytale run towards a precious FFA Cup spot.
With NSW guaranteed seven spots in the inaugural FFA Cup, St George Association’s proud club Sans Souci have been busy making statements of their own.
As many as 860 players ranging from under 6’s right through to the over 45’s for both men and women, boys and girls have seen this club rise as one of the biggest in the Association.
Notable players such as George Harris, Colin Bennett, Ian Blue and Domenic Usalj have all worn Sans Souci’s colours and all represented Australia while more recently the likes of Vince Colagiuri, Louis Dounis, Nick Orlic and Chris Roche all spent time playing in the now defunct NSL.
Former A-League player and current IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Sutherland Sharks superstar Panny Nikas was also another familiar name that spent a bit of time at the club that has taken out a number of honours such as 12 consecutive St George Association All Age Mens titles between 1967-1978 while winning Champion of Champions titles in 1973 and 1975 on top of three Amateur Cups.
Formed in 1958, the Premier League side coached by Clint Harrod has been impressed by his team’s performances that have caught the attention of many of the bigger State League sides.
Harrod has lived and breathed football with Sans Souci for over 20 years, coming through the club’s junior ranks, as well as playing for first team before turning his attention to coaching.
Assisted by Chris Dimitriadis, Yianni Tsikas and Melissa Robertson, Harrod has really enjoyed the ride in the Cup so far but hopes this journey can take his squad further.
“We have really enjoyed the Cup style format and playing at night has really suited the boys.
“The Waratah Cup gives an Association club like Sans Souci the opportunity to test ourselves against quality players and gives the boys a lift as they are always up for the games against State League level opposition.”
The fairytale journey commenced at their spiritual ground Claydon Reserve on Sunday 16th of March where they defeated Bankstown Association’s Yagoona Lions 2-1.
Coleman Park at Georges Hall was the next venue as round 2 of the Cup saw the red and greens win in a tight encounter against another Bankstown Association side in the Revesby Rovers 1-0.
Round 3 was up next and Lokomotiv Cove felt the wrath of Harrod’s men as they defeated their Eastern Suburbs Association opponents in yet another tight affair at Peakhurst Park 1-0.
With the luck of the draw on their side, Hills Pumas were up next and on a cold and miserable Wednesday evening on the 23rd of April, smiles shone bright as they proved yet again what a tough team they’ve proven to be with a gritty 1-0 win taking them to the final 16 of the prestigious Cup.
Wednesday 7th May has been billed as one of the most important dates for the club.
Their fate has been set as they take on their toughest challenge yet but with a quarter final place at stake, Sans Souci will be giving it their all in getting a positive result against SUPA IGA NPL NSW Mens 2 outfit Northern Tigers.
“I told the boys after the win against Hills to enjoy these moments.
“It builds the togetherness and belief in each other.
“We have nothing to fear and aren’t expected to be still in the Cup at this stage of the competition.
“But to the team’s credit and hard work we have not been a team that has given up, and it will be this attitude that we will be bringing to the table against the Northern Tigers.
“We will give them the respect that they deserve but we have no pressure on us and we will be making it as difficult as possible for them by playing our style of football.”
Should their dream come true with a possible victory against the Tigers, their next obstacle will be facing an IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 club.
Nevertheless, the beauty of this Cup has already taken shape – Sans Souci, potential Waratah and FFA Cup Giant-killers.
2014 Sans Souci squad: Nicholas BARESIC, Aaron CALTABIANO, Emre CICEKDAG, Tim CULLEN, James DRAHAILVAS, Jean – Pierre ELEFTHERAKIS, Nathan GAYNOR, Jacob GIOVENCO, Ryan HARROD, Dimitris HARTOFILIS, Peter JOSEVESKI, Emilio KALOTINIS, Pablo MORALES, Apostolos NICOLAOU, Harrison PAPOULIAS, Jason PITCHER, Gabriel RODRIGUEZ, Nick THEODORAKOPOULOS, Mark THORSBY, Steven THORSBY
-By Mark Stavroulakis
