By Takis Triadafillou
On Saturday, January 18, Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria will host a historic clash between Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC for the second meeting of The Greek Herald Cup.
This much-anticipated match rekindles the rivalry of two iconic teams that defined the NSL era in Australian football.
In the lead-up to this exciting event, The Greek Herald sat down with Sydney Olympic legends Peter Katholos, Chris Kalantzis, and Terry Patalis to discuss their memories, their thoughts on the upcoming match, and their enduring connection to the Greek community.
The three legends, who have not only left an indelible mark on Sydney Olympic and Australian football but also played for some of the biggest teams in Greece, expressed their excitement about this historic match and the significance of The Greek Herald Cup.
When asked by The Greek Herald about their most complete memories from the NSL, the legends immediately recalled the glorious days at Pratt Park.
“Those were wonderful times,” Katholos said. “Winning titles and cups with Sydney Olympic and experiencing the atmosphere and connection with the Greek community was unforgettable.”
Kalantzis added, “I remember a game with Gary Meyer as goalkeeper and 10 Greek players in the line-up. It was such a proud moment to see the majority of the team made up of Greek players.”
Patalis noted, “Sydney Olympic was a beacon for the Greek community in Sydney, especially during the difficult times of exile… Both teams were a source of solace and pride for all Greek immigrants.”
The rivalry between these two clubs is steeped in history. One of the most unforgettable moments came during the 1984 Championship Final. The first match took place on 24 October 1984 at Olympic Park Stadium in Melbourne. In front of a crowd of 10,000, South Melbourne secured a 2–1 victory over Sydney Olympic with goals from Egan in the 43rd and 64th minutes, while Koussas scored for Sydney Olympic in the 5th minute.
The second match followed on 28 October 1984 at St George’s Stadium in Sydney, drawing an impressive attendance of 11,221. South Melbourne triumphed once again with a 2–1 scoreline, thanks to goals by Oscar Crino in the 10th minute and Vzendoorn in the 18th, while Theodorakopoulos found the net for Sydney Olympic in the 34th minute.
Discussing the challenges of the B-League, the legends acknowledged the financial demands faced by clubs in this category.
“It’s a very difficult financial category,” Kalantzis explained. “Teams need to manage the costs of constant travel, coaches, and players.”
Despite these challenges, they emphasised the importance of initiatives like The Greek Herald Cup to shine a spotlight on iconic clubs and their cultural heritage.
All three legends expressed their excitement about The Greek Herald Cup and its role in reviving the rivalry between two historic clubs.
“The Greek Herald Cup brings back memories of an era when every weekend was the oxygen of solace for Greek fans watching their teams compete,” Katholos said.
Patalis agreed, saying, “It is an honour to be part of this event and to relive the moments with players we once shared the field with. It’s fantastic.”
The legends also highlighted their personal connection to The Greek Herald.
“The Greek Herald has been a part of our lives,” Kalantzis said. “It’s amazing to see it now playing a role in promoting and celebrating events like this.”
Fans attending The Greek Herald Cup will also have a unique opportunity to meet the legends in person. Following the match, South Melbourne FC will host an exclusive VIP “Legends” dinner at Lakeside Stadium. This special event will take place on Saturday night at 8:30 PM, offering fans the rare chance to dine alongside football greats Katholos, Kalantzis, and Patalis, as well as members of South Melbourne’s iconic 1984 NSL Championship-winning team.
The evening will honour the rich history of both South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic while celebrating the 40th anniversary of South Melbourne’s NSL Championship win. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Tickets are $160, and bookings can be made via the link here. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate with the legends themselves and be part of a moment that bridges the legacy of the past with the promise of the future.
Event Details:
- Event Name: Greek Herald Cup – Main Event
- Date: Saturday, 18 January
- Venue: Lakeside Stadium
- 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Mini Matches and Family Day
- 6:30 PM: The Greek Herald Cup
- Entry: Free (registration is essential)
Legends Dinner Details:
- Date: Saturday, 18 January
- Place: Lakeside Stadium (Upstairs)
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Tickets: $160 – Includes food, drinks, and entertainment
- Secure your place now: Register here
Join us at Lakeside Stadium on January 18 to witness history in the making and honour the legends who helped shape the legacy of these iconic clubs. Let’s come together to celebrate the enduring spirit of Greek football in Australia.
