Bonds strengthened between City, Central, Olympic

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 25 August 2022

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC, Central United FC and Wellington Olympic have formed a closer bond with the reintroduction of the Mediterranean Cup.

City and Olympic played each other in the recent Chatham Cup semi-final at Kiwitea Street with the Navy Blues prevailing 3-1 in a colourful atmosphere in Sandringham.

Off the pitch, the the three clubs bonded after a memorable afternoon of football and cultural celebration.

City chairperson Ivan Vuksich, Central president Mate Tolj and Olympic's Basil Bouzoukis and Paul Kotrotsos, were present, as were Olympic executives Basil and Lesley Mitrakas, Andy and Belinda McKay and John Serepisos and Jin Lin.

The Mediterranean Cup

A new trophy is up for grabs between @AucklandCity_FC & @WgtnOlympic
after a top weekend of #ChathamCup football passion, culture & history unfolded at Kiwitea Street, thanks @CentralUtd_FC & Katsanos family for everything!

#StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/O30Vj45M5t
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) August 25, 2022

City spokesperson Mitch Herceg said:

"Our clubs share many similarities having both been founded by new migrants to New Zealand from the Balkan Penninsula and both in the early days having to deal with the inherent challenges that a new country, new language and new culture brings.

"It is a testament to both of our club's tenacity and wherewithal that some 60 years later we are still standing today and are competing at the very highest level of football in New Zealand.

"Our sister club Central United FC is celebrating it's 60th Jubilee this season and it was great to see many past players, coaches, administrators and supporters back at the club today to renew old friendships and reminisce about old times.

"Sadly, one of Central's founding members Davor Antunovic passed away recently aged 82 years old and we would like to take this opportunity to formally acknowledge his contribution to the club as a past president of 9 years, former club patron and life member.

"In our earliest days, Davor was very much at the forefront of efforts to establish the club and his ongoing support, commitment and generosity has been greatly appreciated.

"Davor will be missed and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Sonja and family," Herceg said.

With the post-match proceedings in full swing, Erceg then formally reintroduced the Mediterranean Cup to be played for in the National League Championship.

The Mediterranean Cup came to frution in 2013 when the Central United FC over 35s travelled to Wellington to take on Wellington Olympic O-35s.

Incredible hospitality by the people from @AucklandCity_FC and @CentralUtd_FC. Huge respect for their club and how how they have kept the Croatian Element. There is something special about clubs that have that ethnic connection. Looking forward to the next game between us.
— Maki Halikias (@MakiHalikias) August 22, 2022

Wellington Olympic O-35s won the first encounter and put on fantastic hospitality, food, drink and entertainment and this was reciprocated a year later when the Wellingtonians came to Kiwitea Street with Central United FC O-35s winning the trophy for the first time.

Dennis Katsanos and his family donated the trophy, Dennis having grown up in Wellington and playing his football at Wellington Olympic.

Now retired as a player, Katsanos is still involved at Central United FC where he coaches his son Cruz'z team.

Herceg said: "The trophy has not been played for since 2014 and has been gathering dust for eight years but today's match got us thinking that putting this trophy up for grabs when we play each other at national level would be a great idea."

The trophy has been engraved to include the times each club has won it based on past encounters going back to the 1994 Superclub era.

Herceg added: "We hope this trophy will become a symbol of the friendship between our clubs and will bring us even closer together as time goes on."

To sum up the good feeling of a memorable afternoon, Maki Halikias, of Wellington Olympic, wrote on Twitter:

"Incredible hospitality by the people from Auckland City FC and Central United FC. Huge respect for their clubs and how how they have kept the Croatian Element. There is something special about clubs that have that ethnic connection. Looking forward to the next game between us."

Ends