Avondale FC signing Joey Katebian backs calls to introduce national soccer second tier in Australia
NEW Avondale FC striker Joey Katebian has backed calls for a national second division to be introduced to bridge the gap between the NPL and A-League.
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NEW Avondale FC striker Joey Katebian has backed calls for a national second division to be introduced to bridge the gap between the National Premier League and A-League.
The former Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar striker was unveiled as an Avondale FC player on Wednesday, joining Liam Boland, Ross Archibald and Elvis Kamsoba as off-season additions for the NPL finalist.
The 21-year-old enjoyed prolific stints with FC Bulleen Lions and Victory’s NPL side between 2013 and 2016, netting 67 goals in 65 NPL games.
But the attacker’s opportunities have been limited in the national competition, making one senior appearance during his time with Victory and featuring four times for Brisbane.
Katebian said a mooted second division would help young soccer players make the “big jump” to the A-League.
“Young Australian players, it’s hard for them to make the jump into the A-League,” Katebian said.
“You have to have an outstanding season or a few outstanding seasons.
“Going from the NPL to the A-League, it’s obviously a big jump.
“But this second division would allow players like myself and younger players, even players in their late 20s, to hit their peak again and try and earn a professional career.”
Katebian said he had taken heart from close friend Ken Athiu earning a professional contract with Melbourne Victory after a prolific season with Heidelberg United.
“That’s from doing well in the NPL that he has been given that opportunity. I’ll look to do the same,” he said.
Katebian declared he had joined Avondale, which finished third behind Heidelberg United and South Melbourne this year, to “win everything”.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a smaller club but compared to these top-four sides that you get every year, they are more of the underdog which I like,” he said.
“At Bulleen we were underdogs in that competition and we did well.
“I am looking forward to playing. I want to win everything with Avondale.
“I want to help them achieve their goals, that is why I have come here.”
He said the ambition shown by coach Anthony Barbieri and president Anthony Nuzacco had been pivotal to his decision to sign after fielding offers from several NPL clubs.
“I have spoken to a few people that have played at Avondale and they have had nothing but good things to say,” he said.
“It’s a family club, the boys get along and they have come a long way.”
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