The Loose Cannon - Issue 125

MATCHDAY SPONSOR

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DMC is passionate about giving back to our region by supporting numerous sporting Clubs, community organisations We are a proud sponsor of the Central

MARINERS TRIUMPH OVER SYDNEY

The Central Coast Mariners have come away with an impressive 2-1 win on Saturday evening, coming out victorious against Sydney FC at Industree Group Stadium.

down the right-hand side, forcing Danny Vukovic to make a diving save.

Beni Nkololo whipping in a dangerous corner which illuded Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, finding the feet of Brian Kaltak.

our goalkeeper all that denied him.

After conceding an early goal, the Mariners took the ascendency shortly after, scoring twice before half time to go into the break with the lead.

Resolute defending and some nice counter attacking play saw the Mariners hold out to secure the victory, despite eight minutes of stoppage time being played to conclude the game.

The ball parrying out to Paulo Retre who slotted it home to hand his side a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.

The Vanuatu international putting the ball back into the six-yard area, his defensive partner outleaping three Sydney defenders to hand us the lead in the 39th minute.

A tense final five minutes saw both sides pushing to add another before the break, neither able to as the teams went to the sheds with it all to play for.

Just a minute later he would be needed again, Lolley blasting from range. Vukovic never flustered, securing his fizzing shot in a routine save for the experienced shot stopper.

The Mariners almost sealed the deal as Samuel Silvera and the entire Central Coast forward line drove on the counter, Ruhs collecting the ball and firing. His chance never quite being under control, getting blocked before finding the goal.

The match also marked two special occasions, the first being Garang Kuol’s first A-League men’s start. The winger getting an assist in a pleasing performance, playing almost seventy minutes.

Academy graduate and scholarship recipient Sasha Kuzevski also made his professional debut, providing a bolt of energy in the final ten minutes of the match.

It was a back-and-forth opening period to the match, with both Luke Brattan and Marco Tulio hitting the post for the respective sides.

After having multiple half chances to equalise it took the Mariners until the 34th minute to strike back, with a moment of magic from youngster Garang Kuol who picked out Marco Tulio with an inch perfect cross.

Sydney FC had the first major chance of the second half, with Joe Lolley finding space down the right-hand side of the box. The Englishman cutting the ball back to Rhyan Grant, the defender smashing it into the outside of the net in the 55th minute.

After continued pressure the Mariners had the next opportunity to extend our lead, Kuol demonstrating his mesmerising dribbling to beat multiple Sydney defenders.

Tensions soon flared to end the game after some contentious refereeing decisions, resulting in eight additional minutes after regulation time. The Mariners holding firm, taking an incredibly valuable three points away from a tough fixture in blustery conditions.

The Brazilian getting a well-deserved first goal for the Mariners, his headed effort drawing the scores level.

Only a minute after our Brazlian hit the upright, Sydney FC opened the scoring with a scrappy goal. Robert Mak finding space

One soon became two just minutes later, with Dan Hall scoring his second ever A-League goal.

The youngster hitting it just wide, his final action of the game before being substituted to a standing ovation from the home crowd.

The Central Coast now look towards Wednesday’s catch up round against the Newcastle Jets, keen to get revenge for last weekend. Momentum now on our side, ready to head into Christmas with the gift of another three points.

After resolute defending from the entire Mariners backline, Vukovic was required to intervene, pulling out a smart save in the 79th minute. Luke Brattan running into the box before firing low, a strong hand from

‘Nizzy’ has become such a household name at the Mariners that I had to remind myself that his first name was indeed Josh! In saying that this article will still refer to the great man as ‘Nizzy’

I really hope that this fella just plays on and on at the club as apart from being great to watch he must inspire those around him.

It’s ironic really that at the end of the day that little battler we see out there fighting often stands tallest at the final whistle.

We have had many players over the history of the Central Coast Mariners that have made an impact. Some have been instant, some over a few games, Nizzy falls into that instant category for many although almost 50 games in the academy would tell you otherwise. Nizzy is a worker, a non-stop energizer bunny in yellow and blue that is just all go. Often tagged with that ‘little bloke’ label we are often amazed by the workrate he puts out to the point where we seem to expect it. Whatever you do though don’t do as many have done and just put Nizzy in that box of just being a worker. Some of the best passing moves in recent times have involved him and his ability to find space defies us all.

As much as it only seems like yesterday he started, Nizzy has made over 70 first team appearances for the club already and I’d love a dollar for every metre he has covered in that time. Like many of his teammates, Nizzy is such a good representation of the Central Coast itself with his workman like performances mixed in with flashes of brilliance.

SCAN TO PLAY NOW

ACADEMY PLAYER PROFILE: PAT BEACH

“I back us to do really great things this year.”

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After joining the Mariners Academy last year, goalkeeper Pat Beach is ready to take his game to the next level this season.

Aiming to be the goalkeeper when our NPL1 team enter a new era for season 2023, his aim to contribute as much as possible to hopefully a winning side.

“I am hoping to get as many minutes as possible in the first-grade team as goalkeeper. I just want to put my best foot forward to help the team.”

The youngster under no illusions about the challenges that the side will face, coming against some of the most historic football clubs in Australia.

“Our season will be a tough one, but also great. We will be playing around thirty difficult games, testing ourselves against other teams in the league and comparing ourselves to them,” he said.

Beach currently trains alongside both Danny Vukovic and Yaren Sozer daily in first team sessions, the youngster hoping to see the rewards for his hard work come game day.

“They are two great guys firstly and amazing keepers to work with day in day out. All of us pushing each other to bring the best out of each other. That goes a long way and shows when you play.”

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Applying for a grant is easy and you can do it all online. Scan the code to find out more or visit: MaccasCommunityGrants.com

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know the Journey – Sasha Kuzevski

Sasha Kuzevski has lived, eaten and breathed football his entire life. A passion turned into an obsession, his dreams coming true against Sydney FC in our round eight clash. His debut a culmination of hard work, dedication, and two parents determined to do everything possible to allow him to succeed.

“I guess it all started as soon as I could walk really,” the defender said.

“I would find anything around the house that I could kick. It got to the point where I would use the paintings in the house as goals. I used to kick handballs, softballs, practically anything that I could find. It got pretty bad, eventually mum and dad confiscated everything off me.

came up to dad and I and asked if I wanted to trial with the academy kids. I did a two-week trial and signed for the thirteens.”

Kuzevski played the season with the Mariners academy, before playing his football in Sydney for two seasons. A year with both APIA and Marconi his only time away from the club, re-joining at sixteen.

“I decided to come back home,” he said.

From then the wing defender has blossomed, playing six further seasons in the academy.

The last three have been spent in the NPL first grade side, learning under current coach Nick Montgomery and assistant Sergio Raimundo.

The 2022/23 season is his first regularly training with the A-League team, having had occasional experience in the side over the past two years. The youngster a TAG scholarship recipient thanks to the help of Anton Tagliaferro, now a full-time professional athlete.

nervous at the start, but super excited and grateful to be given that opportunity.”

After holding out for the victory, Kuzevski admittedly was emotional when he saw his parents after full time.

“It was unreal, everything that I have worked my whole junior career for. To get that opportunity to be in that full time professional environment, just joy and excitement, I couldn’t wait to tell my parents and my loved ones,” he said.

“My parents have been massive for me. They have made so many sacrifices, there is no chance that I would be here without all of the things that they have done for me.”

“I’m not going to lie, it was an emotional thing going over to see them. As I have said before they have sacrificed so much for me. This is what I have worked so hard for, my dream, and to be living it, it has all come true,” he said.

“It was a lot of thanks, just thanks and love to all of them”

“So, I started using bundled socks, kicking them around. Since I could walk, it all started.”

His first organised match was playing for Terrigal aged eight, suiting up for the club for a further four years. A chance encounter with a Mariners scout was what first got him into the academy.

The duo now handing him his first A-League cap after helping him develop as a junior.

“Monty and Serg are two world class coaches. They have kept their philosophy from the academy right to where they are now with the first team. It isn’t just me, there are a lot of boys here who are in the same boat who have been coached under the two of them in NPL and made the transition into the first team,” he said.

After months of hard work with the side, Kuzevski was rewarded with his debut against Sydney FC in round eight. Playing just over ten minutes, looking a natural out there against some of Australia’s best footballers.

Kuzevski’s goal for this season a simple one, just stay in the squad as much as possible. Aiming to contribute to the side’s success, ready to give his all for the badge he loves so dearly.

“I want to get as many appearances and minutes as I can for the club. I know that I will only do that with consistency, staying in the team for me is the biggest goal.”

“My first feeling was just excitement when I got told I was going on, just ready to get out there. A fair bit of nerves as well,” he said.

“I always played my football with the older kids, up age groups,” he said.

“The Mariners academy director was at one of my finals at Pluim when I was twelve, he

“I couldn’t have picked two better coaches to have done it under.”

“It was a bit surreal; all of my family and friends were in the crowd; I’m used to sitting there with them supporting this great club. To be running out there I was

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

It takes a huge team effort on match days, and our home games wouldn’t happen without our dedicated team of volunteers working hard behind the scenes.

Central Coast Mariners would like to acknowledge the contribution of our wonderful team of volunteers and thank them for their valuable contribution to the club.

Thank you to each of our volunteers, from all of us at the Central Coast Mariners.

BOOTS FOR COOK ISLANDS

Hello Fellow Football families, We recently returned from a holiday in the Cook Islands and being Football Tragics we were able to find some local games to watch.

This is where our Fellow Football Families can help us.

At the conclusion of the first game we watched, U/15 boys, we noticed that when they came off the field they were removing their boots and shinpads to pass onto the next team to take the field, the U/15 girls. Then again when the girls came off the field after their game they removed their already twice worn boots and shinpads and passed them to the next team to take the field, the U/17 boys! This was sad to witness and totally unexpected.

We then had a chat to one of the referees about this situation and said that we would like to find some way to help out here. She recommended who we should contact due to there being some issues with the Official Association. After making contact we had a visit from the Sports Manager from the Cook Islands Sports & National Olympic Committee (CISNOC).

We will be collecting pre loved boots and shin pads for the next few months with our aim to get them to the Cook Islands in time for their 2023/2024 season.

If you feel that this is something that your organisation can help us with we would be happy to chat further regarding collection options. Yours in Football

Sharon - 0437 149 069 sharon.pascoe@hotmail.com Wayne - 0403 702 130 waynepp59@hotmail.com

We made the decision to see if we could obtain pre loved, reasonable condition, football boots and shin pads to send back to The Cook Islands for distribution to those families/players who could not afford to purchase their own gear.

Algis Andrew H

Andrew S

Bailey Brendan Cameron Caroline Chris David Derek Erin Francesco Graeme Kim Liam C

Mason

Matt Nick Pat Peter H Peter K

Phil Robert C Robert I Robyn Tibor Todd

Tony Vivienne

Thomas AQuilina brian kaltak JOSHUA NISBET

MAX BALARD SAMUEL SILVERA jason cummings matheus moresche beni nkololo harry steele garang kuol storm roux kelechi john jacob farrell matthew simon daniel vukovic michael ruhs cameron windust daniel hall yaren sozer nectarios triantis bradley tapp sasha kuzevski james bayliss dor jok jakob cresnar paul ayongo marco tulio