One-handed Sanchez shoots Sydney Olympic to first football title in seven years
SPANIARD Alejandro Sanchez could be attracting A-League clubs’ attention after his National Premier League debut season’s 17 goals took Sydney Olympic to the premiership. But he also attracts attention because he’s the first professional footballer in the world to play with one hand.
The Express
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SPANIARD Alejandro Sanchez could be attracting the attention of A-League clubs after his fantastic debut season in the National Premier League where his 17 goals took Sydney Olympic to their first premiership in seven years.
Sanchez, who was born without his right hand, has been a revelation at the Belmore-based club, sparking a revival under former Socceroo Abbas Saad’s coaching.
Sanchez is the first professional footballer in the world to play with one hand, having debuted for Spain’s Real Zaragoza in 2009.
His amazing strike rate and ability to shoot goals with both feet have made one of the top marksman in the NPL.
Ironically the 29-year-old striker was contacted by Abbas’ predecessor Spaniard Gokar Etxeberia who was sacked a few days before the 2018 season.
Both Sanchez and Etxeberria were at Spanish La Liga club Real Zaragoza.
”Gokar called me in Spain and offered me the opportunity to play for Sydney Olympic which was perfect for me because I needed a new motivation in my life,” Sanchez said.
“I love living in Sydney and I know it is the right decision I made. Honestly, I enjoy everyday and we really have a wonderful team spirit at the club.
“We won the league because we are a group of friends who look out for each other on the field while Abbas (Saad) has been brilliant to work with.”
Sydney Olympic were the competition pacesetters for several weeks before suffering a late season slump.
Sanchez scored a ninth minute goal to seal the premiership for Sydney Olympic in the last game of the regular season, the 1-0 victory over local rival Sydney United enough to pip APIA Leichhardt Tigers, who were stunned by Hakoah Sydney City East FC.
“It was amazing to win the title in the last game and I was in tears because it was so special for us,” said Sanchez, who has also played for Spanish clubs CA Osauna and CD Tudelano.
“Regarding playing for and A-League side, I want to play at the highest level.
“But now I want to help Olympic win the grand final and play for them next season because I love it here.
“I am also completing my PhD in human rights in sports through a university in Spain.”
SAAD’S MAGIC TOUCH
ABBAS Saad did not know much about Sydney Olympic’s NPL squad when he was headhunted for the coach’s job following the axing of Gokar Etxeberia a few days before the start of the 2018 season.
“I only knew Jason Madonis, Will Angel and Niko Tsattalios, but I had played with goalie Paul Henderson at Northern Spirit many years ago,” Saad, 51, said.
“It, however, took me just 10 minutes to make up my mind when (Sydney Olympic director) Bill Papas offered me the job, because I had also played for the club in the past.
“I am very proud of how the team played and how our two overseas players Alejandro Sanchez and Jin An fitted in. Their professionalism rubbed off on our young squad.
“Sanchez is the best striker in the league, while Henderson may be 42 but is the best keeper around.
“We were badly hit by injuries, but if we hadn’t won the title after leading the table for so long, it would have been very disappointing.”
Lebanese-born Saad played four times for the Socceroos in a successful career that included stints in Malaysia and Singapore, where he became known as an expert commentator.
He said coaching an A-League club was something he might consider in the future because he always wants to improve and challenge himself.
“If an A-League coaching job happens, it will happy but I would love to continue here and do my bit,” said Saad, who made a name for himself as a football pundit on Singapore TV before returning to his roots.
“At the moment my focus is Sydney Olympic and I am confident of retaining the same squad because we have the right people and I want to have a winning culture,” Saad said.
“I have worked on the mental strength of the team and the club is on the up because we have the best developments system in Australia.
“I would love to win the league double and I am absolutely confident we can win them.
Abbas is probably the only one who has won titles with Olympic as a junior, senior and now as coach.
Speaking about the lack of quality strikers or matchwinners in the national team, Saad said: “We need the best players back playing in Australia and we need to allow the players to play with flair and freedom … this is what I allow them at the club.”