National Premier Leagues SA soccer clubs set for 2020 season kick-off, as Campbelltown City bids to defend back-to-back crowns
A chasing pack of clubs, bolstered by a host of interstate and overseas recruits, is out to end Campbelltown City’s National Premier Leagues SA dominance. Our ultimate guide to the local soccer season kicks off here.
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The inspirational coach and fearless captain have left.
The back-to-back reigning champion opens the National Premier Leagues SA season at home to local rival Adelaide Blue Eagles at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Friday (7.30pm).
It will do so without five-time title-winning mentor Joe Mullen and on-field leader Iain Fyfe, who both stepped down after last campaign’s minor premiership and championship double.
“We know every team is going to come for us,” said Harvey, a key figure at Newton since 2013.
“But Stubbsy keeps us honest and we’ve pretty much kept our core team.
“We’ve got good competition (for places) and everyone is going for it at training to get that starting spot.
“You look at our bench and they are all good players, who at any other team would be starting.
“We know we can’t let our guard down, but we want to do the double again.”
Ex-Newcastle A-League coach Stubbins has added playmaker Josh Barresi, who he first signed for the Jets six years ago, from Victorian side Bentleigh Greens.
Campbelltown also recruited Liam and Hamish McCabe over summer.
But the highly-rated twins were at press time negotiating a potential return to their former club, Blue Eagles.
The Marden outfit, promoted back to the top flight last season, lost just one of its first 10 games to lead the competition mid-year.
But a horror run of injuries, including a serious knee issue for now departed Italian striker Emanuele Testardi, resulted in the 10-time champion exiting the finals at the first hurdle.
Argentinian forward Dante Cacciavillani, a youth product of Buenos Aires giant Racing, arrives from Italy, while Japanese winger Yohei Matsumoto (Campbelltown) brings creativity.
Adelaide Comets ended the best term in their 26-year history empty-handed, following a 3-0 grand final reverse at the hands of the Red Devils.
“Last year we created some momentum, but then on the final day it fell apart a bit against Campbelltown,” dual Sergio Melta Medallist Welsh said.
“But we’ve started with a new coach, who looks to have some good ideas.
“We’ve got a good culture and a nice strong squad that should be raring to go.
“It’s promising that we’ve now got that senior base of 24, 25, 26 year olds and then we’ve got young kids that have added workrate and eagerness to play and perform.
“The club’s got ambitions to be the best and the biggest in SA, but you’ve got to bring silverware with that as well.”
Young guns Manley Barnett (Central Coast Mariners), Ninko Beric and Ryan Yates (Adelaide United) have joined from A-League youth programs, as Comets plot their maiden title assault.
Adelaide Olympic’s response to claiming its first piece of major silverware and a fourth-place finish was to bring in 10 new players and release nine during a hectic summer.
Olympic has scoured the globe to bring in 24-year-old Panagiotis Manidakis, who previously played in the Greek first division for OFI Crete, and Albanian midfielder Benkert Abdija.
Former Dutch youth international striker Cali Daniel has touched down at The Paddocks, via Eredivise outfit Vitesse Arnhem and second-tier NEC.
Frontman Samed Altundag, previously of Perugia in Italy and Canakkale Dardanelspor in Turkey, is another to join the northern team’s bid to improve on last year’s ninth-place finish.
Much will be expected of Welsh attacker Alun Webb, signed from US side Chattanooga FC, and German midfielder Daniel Kornagel, both 26.
Veteran Adam van Dommele said the Gepps Cross club’s rich potential was motivating his efforts in the twilight of his career.
“I love playing, I love being part of a club environment and I love driving success,” the 35-year-old ex-Adelaide United defender said.
“I’ve got a little bit of experience and that’s what drives me, trying to get other players to standards which I know can bring success.
“We’ve had a lot of new players come in, quite a few of which will surprise the league.
“I see us having a real shot at it if everything comes together.”
Raiders, who have also acquired midfielder Joe Costa from Adelaide City, will be hurt by the exit of 17-goal hitman Terence Carter, in the opposite direction to Oakden.
The former NSL champion Black and Whites endured a miserable campaign under rookie coach Michael Matricciani, avoiding their first relegation in 72 years by just two points.
Golden Boot-winner Anthony Costa’s interstate move is a major loss, offset by the pace and firepower of recruits Perry Mitris (West Adelaide) and Aladin Irabona (Adelaide United).
The Reds’ youth team have maintained their top-flight presence for a fifth-straight campaign.
But they will face a challenging season following a clean-out of underage playing stocks.
Ten talents from Football SA’s NTC program, led by recent A-League debutant Mohammad Toure, will need to stand tall senior against opposition.
Coach Robbie Saraceno has signed promising midfielder Joshua Mori, son of ex-Socceroo Damian Mori, ahead of the Klemzig club’s 25th anniversary.
But the departures of defender Lachlan Barr (Heidleberg United) and 2017 Melta Medallist Liam Wooding (retired) will be tough to overcome.
The five-time champion, which will play its home matches 14km away at Jack Smith Park, will aim to build on a solid first season under ex-Adelaide United favourite Angelo Costanzo.
The boss’ son, Domenic Costanzo, arrives from the Reds’ youth team, while former South Adelaide skipper Sam Carmichael is another quality pick-up.
Modbury Jets stormed to the State League One title by 12 points under Jason Trimboli to earn a top-tier return after a five-year absence.
They have retained the bulk of their squad, but added proven goal scorers in Doni Pollock (South Adelaide) and Paul Radice (amateur side Brahma Lodge).
Promoted Cumberland United has also largely backed the players who regained its NPL status, while recruiting SA-born Meni Haralampopoulos from Greek fourth division side Acharnaikos.
Captain Jack Schoen said helping the club re-join the elite ranks was a proud achievement, given its history dates back to 1943.
“It’s where we wanted to be and where we deserve to be too,” said Schoen, who began playing for the Foxes at under-8 level.
“It’s a big club, with huge junior numbers and support, so it’s nice for me to lead the club there (NPL).
“We’re looking forward to the new challenges.
“Survival is obviously No. 1, but we’re definitely looking above.”
ADELAIDE BLUE EAGLES
Last season: 5th
Ground: Marden Sports Complex, Marden
Coach: Vojo Gluscevic
Captain: Chris Annicchiarico
In: Christian Aloisi (Adelaide United), Dante Cacciavillani (Union San Giorgio-Sedico, Italy) Paul Espina (Olympic), Hirofumi Kochi, Paul Reilly (Para Hills), Yohei Matsumoto (Campbelltown), Nick Menechella (MetroStars), Christian Sotira (Adelaide City)
Out: Adrian Barone (year off), Lucas Candeloro, Zac Vannuci (released), Daniel Cockerline (AFC Liverpool, England), Ivan D’Adamo (Brimbank Stallions, Victoria), Hamish McCabe, Liam McCabe (Campbelltown), Antoni Panagoulias (Cumberland), Emanuele Testardi (Pomezia, Italy)
Key player: Yohei Matsumoto
Top flight titles: 10
ADELAIDE CITY
Last season: 10th
Ground: Adelaide City Park, Oakden
Coach: Michael Matricciani
Captain: Marcos Flores
In: Terence Carter (Raiders), Aladin Irabona (Adelaide United), Jordan Maricic, Perry Mitris (West Adelaide), Anthony Ture (Campbelltown), Alex Woodlands (Comets)
Out: Anthony Costa (Marconi Stallions, NSW), Joseph Costa (Raiders), Massimo Falco (Adelaide United), Fabio Ferreira (Sydney Olympic, NSW), Joe Gauci (Melbourne City, Victoria), Tomas Maricic (Lampang, Thailand)
Key player: Terence Carter
Top flight titles: 17 (SA), 3 (NSL)
ADELAIDE COMETS
Last season: 2nd
Ground: SA Athletics Stadium, Mile End South
Coach: Barney Smith (new)
Captain: Allan Welsh
In: Manley Barnett (Central Coast Mariners, NSW), Ninko Beric, Anthony Mavrolambados, Ryan Yates (Adelaide United), Chris Christofilos (White City), Daniel Vaughan (Olympic)
Out: Jon Aurtenetxe (Atletico Baleares, Spain), Franz Pjetri (released), Stephan Travaglione (Para Hills), Stefan Simic (White City), Alex Woodlands (Adelaide City)
Key player: Andreas Wiens
Top flight titles: Nil
ADELAIDE OLYMPIC
Last season: 4th, FFA Cup SA winner
Ground: The Parks, Angle Park
Coach: George Tsonis
Captain: Christos Pounendis
In: Benkert Abdija (Zenith Audax, Italy), Charlie Devereux (Para Hills), Nick Harpas, Brayden Micallef (South Adelaide), Jason Konstandopoulos, Kristin Konstandopoulos (Adelaide United), Cliff Maina (Southern Illinois University, US), Panagiotis Manidakis (AEEK SYNKA, Greece), Luca Megetto (Metrostars), Kimon Toumazos (Marlin Coast Rangers, Queensland)
Out: Michael Alexandrou, Andrea Dallera, John Karatzas (retired), Thomas Brown (Raiders), Ricardo Da Silva (West Adelaide), Paul Espina (Blue Eagles), Mamadi Kamara (Green Gully, Victoria), Kristi Vangeli (FK Tirana, Albania), Daniel Vaughan (Comets)
Key player: Matthew Halliday
Top flight titles: Nil
ADELAIDE UNITED YOUTH
Last season: 8th
Ground: The Parks, Angle Park
Coach: Paul Pezos
Captain: Lachlan Brook
In: Ethan Alagich, Ethan Cox, Luka Jovanovic, Fergus Lynch, Panashe Madanha, Noah McNamara, Arbi Mollas, Keshav Shrestha, Mohamed Toure, Jonny Yull (SA NTC), Jaxson Bullen, Jackson Walls (Raiders), Jaiden Diamantis (Campbelltown), Massimo Falco (Adelaide City)
Out: Christian Aloisi (Blue Eagles), Ninko Beric, Anthony Mavrolambados, Ryan Yates (Comets), Jared Clark, Domenic Costanzo (Croydon), Aladin Irabona (Adelaide City), Jason Konstandopoulos, Kristin Konstandopolous (Olympic)
Key player: Pacifique Niyongabire
Top flight titles: Nil
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY
Last season: Champion
Ground: Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, Newton
Coach: Phil Stubbins (new)
Captain: Shaun Harvey
In: Josh Barresi (Bentleigh Greens), Hamish McCabe, Liam McCabe (Blue Eagles)
Out: Brandon Centofanti (Modbury), Ian Fyfe (retired) Yohei Matsumoto (Blue Eagles), Anthony Ture (Adelaide City), Jacob Williams (West Adelaide)
Key player: Alex Mullen
Top flight titles: 5 (SA), 1 (Australian NPL)
CROYDON KINGS
Last season: 7th
Ground: Jack Smith Park, Novar Gardens
Coach: Angelo Costanzo
Captain: Luke Klimek
In: Sam Carmichael (South Adelaide), Jared Clark, Domenic Costanzo (Adelaide United)
Out: Andrew Maio (Para Hills), James Skeffington (Port Adelaide)
Key player: John Hall
Top flight titles: 5
CUMBERLAND UNITED
Last season: State League One grand final winner
Ground: AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens
Coach: Neil Young
Captain: Jack Schoen
In: Matthew Charalambous (MetroStars), Meni Haralampopoulos (Acharnaikos, Greece), Antoni Panagoulias (Blue Eagles),
Out: Shannon Day (South Adelaide), Robby Lippett (released), Ethan Stevenson (Seaford)
Key player: Tom Briscoe
Top flight titles: 2
METROSTARS
Last season: 6th
Ground: TK Shutter Reserve, Klemzig
Coach: Robbie Saraceno
Captain: Michael D’Aloisio
In: Kyle Crout (Para Hills), Joshua Mori (Raiders)
Out: Lachlan Barr (Heidelberg United, Victoria), Matthew Charalambous (Cumberland), Alexander Jakob, Liam Wooding (retired), Nick Menechella (Blue Eagles)
Key player: Christian Esposito
Top flight titles: 3 (SA), 1 (Australian NPL)
MODBURY JETS
Last season: State League One champions
Ground: Jet Park, Ridgehaven
Coach: Jason Trimboli
Captain: Michael Doyle
In: Brandon Centofanti (Campbelltown), Doni Pollock (South Adelaide), Paul Radice (Brahma Lodge)
Out: Mitch Coull (injury), Anthony Francesca (Adelaide Cobras)
Key player: Daniel Pritchard
Top flight titles: Nil
PARA HILLS
Last season: 9th
Ground: The Paddocks, Para Hills
Coach: Theo Tsiounis (new)
Captain: TBC
In: Samed Altundag (Sturt), Victor Anyimba (Paramatta FC, NSW), Luka Chikwuba, Jasper Kelley (Birkalla), Alex Cosmidis (Pontian Eagles), Cali Daniel (VV Duno Doorwerth, Netherlands), Mohammed Donzo (Adelaide City), Brima Kamara (West Adelaide), Andrew Maio (Croydon), Cody Morrison (Elizabeth Downs), Stephan Travaglione (Comets), James Wilson (Port Adelaide)
Out: Tyler Bailey, Peter Eleftherakis (West Adelaide), Ozan Cakar, Michael Ndjekompte (released), Kyle Crout (MetroStars), Charlie Devereux (Olympic), Hirofumi Kochi, Paul Reilly (Blue Eagles), Todd Leahy, Elliot Sims (overseas), Matthew Marchioro (Modbury Vista), Tim Ramsey (retired), Mohamed Sumaoro (Raiders)
Key player: Cali Daniel
Top flight titles: Nil
RAIDERS
Last season: 3rd
Ground: Croatian Sports Centre, Gepps Cross
Coach: Nik Kuzman
Captain: Paul Blefari
In: Nicholas Basile (Yaraville Glory, Victoria), Thomas Brown (Olympic), Daniel Kornagel (Hunfelder SV, Germany), Ibrahim Soumah (Kelmscott Roos, WA), Mohammed Sumaoro (Para Hills), Alun Webb (Chattanooga, US)
Out: Aaron Acton (Eastern United), Michael Acton (Playford), Jaxson Bullen, Jackson Walls (Adelaide United), Terence Carter (Adelaide City), Joshua Mori (MetroStars), Yasmin Sudic, Ambesager Yosief (West Adelaide), Scott Tunbridge (retired)
Key player: Nick Munro
Top flight titles: 5
NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUES SA – ROUND ONE
Friday
Campbelltown City v Adelaide Blue Eagles, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, 7.30pm
Saturday
Para Hills v Croydon Kings, The Paddocks, 3pm
Modbury Jets v Adelaide Comets, Jet Park, 3pm
Adelaide City v Cumberland United, Adelaide City Park, 3pm
Adelaide United v Raiders, The Parks, 3pm
MetroStars v Adelaide Olympic, TK Shutter Reserve, 7.30pm