Undefeated Lilli Pilli hoping to go all the way
It’s been a standout season for one of the Sutherland Shire Football Association’s largest clubs namely Lilli Pilli FC’s All Age Mens side.
Coach David Zabic has taken his team to undefeated status which has seen his side take out both the Premiership and Championship without dropping points in the local league whilst being crowned 2015 Bill Cullinan State Cup Champions.
The Bill Cullinan State Cup victory was extra special as they defeated Sans Souci 4-0 announcing to everyone in Association land that this club meant business.
The next prize Zabic and co hope to lift will be the coveted PUMA Champion of Champions title.
Lilli Pilli steam rolled into the semi-finals after crushing Kellyville Kolts 6-0 at Bates Drive in their recent quarter final encounter.
“It’s been a great season for everyone involved at the club.
“From winning both the Premiership and Championship to lifting the State Cup, it’s been a brilliant year.
“I’m blessed that we have a few experienced boys in the side as well as some young guns coming through the ranks which makes it a good balance overall.”
Asked what Zabic’s secret was to the team’s success, he replied.
“To be honest we don’t look too far ahead we just concentrate and take each game as it comes.
“This is really the philosophy we’ve stood by and we will continue to use this.”
Lilli Pilli FC will be taking on stiff opposition in Canterbury Association’s Inter Lions on Sunday 11th of October at Kareela Oval, a match Zabic is by no means taking lightly.
“Inter is a great club and I know they’ve assembled a really good squad.
“There are no weak teams in the PUMA Champion of Champions and I know this will be a tough encounter where the boys will need to be on top of their game.”
One such player that has steadied the ship in what has been a monumental year has been former NSW Premier League player David Reid.
Having played for the likes of the Macarthur Rams, Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Blacktown City and Sutherland Sharks to name a few, Reid’s experience has been a shining point in Lilli Pilli’s season.
“The great thing about Reidy is that he is very humble.
“He has played for some big clubs and has played a high level of football but his experience has really assisted our young guys in the squad.
“At the end of the day though we see Reidy as Reidy, down to earth bloke who loves his football.”
The winner will take part in the PUMA Champion of Champions Final at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday 18th of October and will face the winner of the other semi-final match between the Leichhardt Saints and Coogee United.
Zabic finally paid tribute to the tireless efforts of the Lilli Pilli committee, in particular President Greg Storey and Vice President Chris Tsimiklis.
“The club is one of the biggest in the Shire area and with well over 1500 registered footballers across all age groups, it takes a good board to manage all this.
“We are fortunate that we have that and you need to take your hat off to these people who are volunteers but donate so much of their time in getting this club to where it is today.”
-By Mark Stavroulakis
