State’s best soccer players ready to go for most competitive NPLSA season yet
Big name players, new clubs and powerhouses striving for consecutive titles. Here’s the complete guide ahead of the National Premier League SA season launch.
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The Football SA RAA National Premier League SA soccer season is finally here and will kick-off on Friday night when 2021 champion Adelaide City takes on Campbelltown.
With each top-tier club bolstering its squad and a new State Centre for Football set to open by early May, 2022 could host the most exciting local soccer season to date.
“Season 2021 was one of the most dramatic we have ever seen with the NPLSA, State League One and State League Two premierships all being decided on the final day,” Football SA chief Michael Carter said.
“We will most certainly welcome another dramatic season like last year.”
Carter was also excited by the new State Centre for Football, currently under construction, which will not only be open to NPL teams but also grassroots and social sides.
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“It will be a great facility that will connect grassroots to the elite and importantly provide a home for social participants via the state’s first five-a-side venue,” he said.
“The whole facility will provide a unique fan experience and we are really excited to host RAA NPLSA, Women’s NPLSA and other high profile matches at the venue.”
Ahead of kick-off on Friday night, we’ve assessed how each NPL team sits heading in to a promising 2022 season.
Adelaide City
Last season: 2nd, Grand Final winners
City has its mind set on winning all three trophies this season despite losing key players to the A-League, according to captain Nic Bucco.
The team fell just short in the knockout cup last season and finished second to Adelaide City on the league ladder ahead of finals.
Despite Lachie Barr and goalkeeper Alex Woodlands departing for Adelaide United and Campbelltown City respectively, Bucco said his team was eager to prove itself without them.
“Everyone’s really excited to get going. We have a very young and determined squad this year and we’re hungry to do well,” Bucco said.
“We want to win all three trophies. We set our standards high and we’re motivated to reach those standards.”
Adelaide Comets
Last season: 1st, Grand Final runner-up
Champion Comets captain Allan Welsh said his side would be looking to develop youth and integrate returning players in its quest to make amends for last season’s grand final defeat.
The club lost Ninko Beric to White City in the off-season but was able to bring back experienced forward Tom Briscoe for another run in the black and blue.
“We’ve got a strong core of 11 or 12 guys but with Covid remaining a factor in SA you’re going to have outs, so you’re going to need those younger guys to step up and fill boots,” Welsh said.
“Having Tom (Briscoe) back is going to be big and he’ll be another guy who can help to develop our really promising youth.”
Welsh also said his team would be experimenting its tactical approach for big matches this season.
“We’ve got a good style of play and we trust the process but we’re also trying to adapt and keep the ball a bit more in the final third, be a bit more in control of the game.”
Adelaide Olympic
Last season: 7th
If star forward/midfielder Michael Cittadini can again reach another level, Olympic could be one of the surprise packages of 2022.
Multiple re-signings have been made by the club leading in to this weekend, among them names like Cittadini, striker Katsigiannis, and star player Fausto Erba.
Olympic will be looking to these standout names, as well as its developing young support cast to inspire the club to a high-placed finish.
Adelaide United
Last season: 9th
United will continue its mantra of developing young talent within the NPL this season.
The team, which finished in the bottom half of the table last season, looks to be stocked with multiple up and comers who will be knocking on the door for first team action at the club in coming years.
The Reds will be a solid test for most sides and if players like Jonny Yull, goalkeeper Alex Popovic, and Bernardo Oliveira can continue to perform, they may surprise.
Campbelltown City
Last season: 3rd
Campbelltown is ready for the ultimate success under new coach Michael Matricciani – formerly a champion Adelaide City coach – according to captain Joel Allwright.
The club has signed big names such as midfielder Josh Barresi and 2021 Adelaide City goalkeeper Alex Woodlands.
Allwright said the additions could take the motivated squad to the top this season.
“The team is looking really strong and we’ve had a fantastic pre-season under Michael (Matricciani),” Allwright said.
“We’ve got a super stable core and we think the team has what it takes to go all the way to reclaim the championship and compete for all three trophies.”
Cumberland United
Last season: 10th
The Foxes narrowly avoided relegation last season and will need improved play across the park to rise up the ladder in 2022.
Most of Cumberland’s squad has remained at ‘The Den’, which should prove to be a boost in the club’s first match against a tough Croydon outfit.
Players like Stavros Bakopanos, Josh Harvey, and Riak Mayol are all set to hit another level this season.
If they can fire, the Foxes might be in for a more positive year in the top flight.
Croydon FC
Last season: 8th
Croydon experienced strong development across the park last season despite its eighth-placed finish.
Not only did the club manage two impressive wins against Campbelltown and draws against Comets and Adelaide City, but it also saw Patrick Caraccia become a star in the league.
The club has made multiple signings for 2022, such as the re-signing of wonder-kid Joseph Macheda and the recruitment of speedster Benson Nsegetse, and will be a threat if Caraccia and others can continue to develop.
FK Beograd (White City)
Promoted
FK Beograd captain Chahine Noujam believed his newcomer side had the right blend to kick it with the best in the NPLSA.
Ninko Beric has joined the club from Comets, a signing Noujam believed would be integral to the club’s success in the top flight along with the re-signing of Jace Cummings.
“We lost a few integral experienced boys who helped get the club promoted and they will be missed but we’ve managed to bring some immense NPL experience in,” Noujam said.
“Jace is an invaluable asset for us as well, and the club as a whole, especially in training. Everyone learns from his leadership and experience.”
The club’s first test in the top competition will be against South Adelaide at home, a matchup Noujam was excited for.
“Everyone is amped up for that first game and we can’t wait to have each club back at Mitchell Park,” he said.
MetroStars
Last season: 4th
After experiencing a challenging pre-season, MetroStars are primed and ready to win it all according to captain Anthony Solagna.
The club’s fourth-placed finish last season was a result of dominant play and efficient finishing up front through striker Christian Esposito.
Seven new arrivals will also bolster the team, among them Jackson Walls from Raiders, and Paul Belfari and Phillip Clash from Adelaide Victory.
“We’ve had a tough pre-season both physically and mentally with having to contend with Covid related restrictions but we’ve come out the other side and we’re ready to win it all this year,” Solagna said.
“We have assembled a team which can take it to anyone.”
South Adelaide
Last season: 6th
The Panthers came agonisingly close to a preliminary final playoff last season, losing to Sturt on penalties in round two of the finals.
In response, the club has strengthened with the likes of attackers and midfielders Doni Pollock, Ryan Wood and Melad Ahmad.
Captain Robbie Parker was optimistic about season 2022.
“On the back of what everyone probably considers an overachievement, we are aiming to better what we produced last year and challenge for everything,” Parker said.
“There is a good buzz among the boys and everyone wants to get stuck-in. We’ve really strengthened our squad and I think we have what it takes.”
Sturt Lions
Last season: 5th
Sturt coach Lino Fusco said the NPLSA could be the most competitive and unpredictable it has ever been in 2022.
The Lions fell just short of a grand final appearance last season but will need to improve on their form to give themselves another chance.
With a promising young squad coming through the ranks and solidified stars like Michael Marrone, the club is well-poised for 2022.
“We need to have improved performances every week. We have seen that other teams have strengthened their squads and newly promoted teams like Birkalla and White City will be seeking to emulate what we and South Adelaide did in our promoted years,” Fusco said.
“Our pre-season has been solid and we have another year of NPL experience. We also have some good attacking options coming through and some strong youth so it should be an exciting season.”
West Torrens Birkalla
Promoted
Newly-promoted Birkalla has maintained its core players and added to the squad with the return of star wingman George Mannion.
The Eagles finished top of the State League last season and look to continue their strong defensive and cutthroat attacking performances in the NPLSA.
The side will again be headed by inspirational leader Chris Ashwood and should prove a tricky opponent for any NPSA team.
National Premier League round one fixture
Friday
7.30pm – Adelaide City vs Campbelltown City
Saturday
1.15pm – Adelaide United vs Sturt Lions
3pm – Cumberland United vs Croydon Kings
5pm – FK Beograd vs South Adelaide
7pm – Adelaide Olympic vs MetroStars
8.15pm – WT Birkalla vs Adelaide Comets
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