The name Notaras is once again making waves in football, this time through the next generation.
Former KL Malay Mail FC defender Taso Notaras, an Australian of Greek descent who once played for Perth’s Floreat Athena, is now seeing his daughter, Gia Athena Notaras, represent Malaysia on the international stage. The 15-year-old midfielder recently donned national colours at the ASEAN Under-16 Girls’ Championship in Indonesia.
“I never expected my daughter to follow in my footsteps, but I’m absolutely delighted for her,” Taso told local media.
A Greek Australian legacy abroad
Notaras made his mark in Malaysian football during his five seasons with KL Malay Mail FC (1996–2001), before settling permanently in the country. Originally from Perth, where he turned out for Greek community powerhouse Floreat Athena, he has maintained strong ties with both his Hellenic heritage and his adopted home.
He and his family have been based in Penang for the past seven years, where he teaches at the International School of Penang (Uplands). Gia, though born in Subang Jaya, proudly identifies as Malaysian, continuing her father’s footballing legacy in her own right.
“Gia may not have a traditional local name, but she is a true-blue Malaysian,” Taso said. “I played the game for fun, but it is beyond fun for her. She has a genuine passion for football that surpassed what I had.”
Who is Gia Athena
A versatile defensive midfielder, Gia has already impressed with her technical ability and commitment. Her father admits she has areas to improve, particularly pace, but believes time and determination are on her side.
“She is determined to succeed. I don’t have to motivate her to train — Gia does it all on her own,” he said, adding that she trains both at school and with clubs around Penang.
Gia herself credits her father as her biggest inspiration.
“My spark and interest in football was influenced by seeing my dad play,” she said. “Even today, I still play in the backyard with him. He is the reason I fell in love with the game.”
Her idol is Argentina’s Lionel Messi, whose humility and strength on the field she seeks to emulate. “Anyone would be happy and proud to represent their country. It feels great and exciting to be with the national team,” Gia said.
Malaysia’s run at the ASEAN Under-16s ended earlier this week after finishing behind Thailand on goal difference. Despite the disappointment, Gia has already set her sights on a long career in the game.
“I’ve always wanted to achieve great things in football. I see myself playing with the same passion as I am now,” she said.
