South Melbourne will take on Mill Park at 3pm, Saturday 11 February, following last weekend’s jaw dropping deciders at Partridge Street Reserve, Lalor.
In an entertaining day of community football, Mill Park came back from a two-nil deficit at halftime to win 4-3 against East Kew at the final whistle.
Both teams put up an honourable fight, each taking it down to the wire in the hair-raising match as they gave it their all to secure a spot in the inaugural tournament’s final confrontation.
Mill Park President, Jim Christou, was left in a state of disbelief following last Saturday’s result.
“When I was approached by the GCM to host this tournament… I never would’ve imagined that our senior team would make it to the final,” he said.
“Win or lose next Saturday, I’m so proud of what out team has achieved, and again I encourage as many people as possible; come down to the final and give these two teams your support!”
“Personally, I’d like to thank the GCM for giving us the opportunity to host such a spectacular event over the last month, and we intend to put on a worthy show for this final match,” he concluded.
In the second of the day’s semis, South Melbourne seized the day in a penalty shootout against Kingston City. Scores were tied 1-1 when the 90 minutes were up; but the victors prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
Nick Maikousis, President of South Melbourne, commended the new community soccer initiative.
“It’s definitely created amazing hype over the last month, it’s engaged our community and that’s something we were missing in the soccer fraternity,” he explained.
“Congratulations to Mill Park for making it to the final and for hosting this wonderful event.”
“Our boys will be ready to go next Saturday,” he confirmed, urging South supporters to bring their flags, come on down and create the atmosphere for the inaugural tournament.
Michael Karamitos, GCM Vice President, wished good luck to both clubs.
“All the best to both teams for the big showdown, I encourage as many people as possible to come down and give a final show of support for what’s without a doubt been an amazing tournament.”
And he made clear, “planning for 2024’s Greek Community Cup will begin as soon as this inaugural tournament concludes.”
“The GCM would like to thank everyone who’s supported this event, and made it such a success.”
“And a very big thank you to Mill Park President Jim Christou and his dedicated team for their amazing efforts every week, which have made this tournament what it is,” he said.
Speaking on the day, GCM President Bill Papastergiadis, said that he expects next year’s tournament to be bigger, and better.
“It’ll only get better from here on out, we’re going to capitalise on the momentum, plans are in motion and we aim to have it all up and running in terms of scheduling by the middle of the year,” he said.
“I’d like to think that hopefully, we’ll double the number of teams. We’ll have our women’s section and juniors as well. It’s going to be a full-on tournament hosted at clubs right across Melbourne.”
“I’m excited about what the future will bring,” he concluded.
The inaugural Greek Community Cup’s conclusion will be held on Saturday 11 February, at the home of Mill Park, Patridge Street Reserve, Lalor.
Before the final Malvern City will battle it out against the Doncaster Rovers in the GCM Shield finals at 1pm.