South Melbourne lifts NPL Trophy
South Melbourne has lifted the NPL Victoria trophy after being crowned the competition's inaugural champion.
The club was presented the trophy following its 2-2 draw with runners-up Oakleigh Cannons, and is also the club's first Victorian title since 2006.
As the NPL Victoria champion, South Melbourne now qualifies for the national NPL 2014 Finals Series, with South Hobart its opponent in the elimination finals stage.
FFV CEO Peter Gome commended South Melbourne on its achievement.
“On behalf of FFV, I’d like to congratulate South Melbourne Football Club on becoming the first NPL Victoria champion,” Gome said.
“South Melbourne Football Club has a rich and celebrated history of success, both on a Victorian and national scale since it was formed in 1959.”
“This NPL Victoria championship is yet another brilliant achievement for South Melbourne Football Club, and Sunday will no doubt be a momentous occasion for the club and its fans as it celebrates this latest success.”
South Melbourne – named the Oceania Confederation Club of the Century in 2010 – now has nine Victorian championships to its name, having won the Victorian State League in 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1974 and 1976, and the Victorian Premier League in 2006.
It is a four-time National Soccer League champion, with titles in 1984, 1990/91, 1997/98 and 1998/99.
Club president Leo Athanakis said: “On behalf of the club, I would like to congratulate our talented playing squad who played an attacking and entertaining brand of football, as well our tremendous head coach Chris Taylor, his support staff, and the entire football department for their tireless efforts to put together this championship-winning team.”
“To my fellow directors, the club’s media team and volunteers, many thanks for your dedication and hard work throughout the years that have helped achieved this success on the park. We are quite excited to be representing Victorian football in the national playoffs,” Athanakis said.
“With the signing of the 40-year lease of Lakeside Stadium and the imminent commencement of construction works of our new offices, social club and futsal centre, the future is very bright at South Melbourne Football Club.”
FFA will advise of fixture details for the NPL 2014 Finals Series in due course.
Image Credit: Graeme Furlong
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