Veteran Joseski ready for Sydney City Eagles Finals Challenge

Untitled-design-7-2

 Sydney City Eagles custodian Zlatko Joseski has shown this season age is just a number in his return between the sticks as they aim to soar to Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s Grand Final glory this weekend.

Answering the SOS call from Eagles coach Roy Perre in Round 5, Joseski has helped with some magnificent saves that has propelled them to the finals series.

Speaking on his return to the futsal court Joseski was delighted to be able to get back into the swing of things so quickly and contribute to the Eagles side.

“When I first came back I didn’t think I could keep up at my age,” said Joseski. The custodian though has had fun with the return “and I’m enjoying myself.” beamed Joseski.

Joseski was honest in his role in the side “Physically I can’t keep up but futsal is just like riding a bike. I can read the game well and the reflexes remain intact so I do my part.”

Eagles coach Roy Perre has been glowing in his praise of the goalkeeper and Joseski remembers when Perre’s sons who he now plays along were youngsters hanging around his old Bonnyrigg Indoor teams.

“When I was at Bonnyrigg Indoor – Sam [Perre] was young and Robbie [Perre] was just born. That was about 20 years ago. Seeing them progress into their own players and play with them is a good thing,”

Asked to reflect on the inevitable differences between the two eras of futsal, Joseski paid tribute to the speed of the contest now but reflected that players back in the day were able to express themselves more often:

“Physically the game is much quicker than 15 years ago. It was much slower but the boys were more expressive back then. Right now it’s much quicker which means the skills need to be faster,” added Joseski.

Looking forward to the finals, Joseski joked he had succeeded already this season: “I have lost five kilos since I started playing again so I think I have already won.” Now Joseski looks to help the Eagles to lift the Championship trophy this weekend.

The Futsal Premier League 2 semi-finals take place Saturday at The Centre – Dural before the season concludes with a fantastic Grand Final day at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Hall on Sunday.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)