During his recent trip to Australia, Ange Postecoglou visited his hometown club, South Melbourne Hellas, this week.
Australia’s most successful football icon spoke at length with co-presidents Andrew Mesourouni and Bill Papastergiadis during a short break from football.
Ange congratulated the presidents and Peter Kokotis on Hellas’ recent historic victory in the Australian Championship, saying he was pleased the club continued to succeed on the national stage.
Ange recalled being a speaker at a Hellas club function more than six years ago alongside Papastergiadis, when the club was bidding for an A-League licence. He said it was important to him that, after so many years away from Australia, he made it a priority on his return to visit his club.
Papastergiadis and Mesourouni then escorted Ange to the mural adjoining the social club, where famous players and coaches adorn the wall, including Ange himself. He was visibly moved by the mural and noted the importance of continuing the club’s good work. Ange thanked Papastergiadis, Mesourouni and Kokotis for their efforts in pushing the club forward.
Papastergiadis said, “Ange is Australia’s premier football icon and he will always have a home at South. His contribution to football, not only to our club but to Australia’s entire football ecosystem, is unparalleled.”
“Ange has put our country and Hellas on the international stage through his constant references to the importance of his days at the club in shaping his development as a football manager. We appreciate the time he took from his short trip to Australia to meet with us. We also thank his fellow player Manny Anezakis for facilitating this visit,” Papastergiadis added.
Mesourouni noted his pride in welcoming a player and coach he has long admired back to the club: “Ange brought so much joy to our supporters and he will always be welcome at our club.”
Kokotis added, “Ange was a key part of all four national titles we achieved. This cannot be underestimated. He is special to all Hellas supporters.”
As a football person deeply interested in players, Ange also spent considerable time speaking with Manny Aguek and Andrico Mesourouni.
