Keen to make new club special

Matthew Galea

March 15 2014

Shepparton News

Naum Sekulovski has always had a taste for adventure.

He moved from Melbourne to Wollongong to join the Wollongong Wolves as a teenager to try and break into the National Soccer League, and would eventually make his way to Perth Glory.

There he would make 108 A-League appearances , before moving on to Indonesian Premier League outfit Persema Malang, where he played from 2011 to 2012, when a cruel knee injury ended his professional career.

‘‘I did my ACL over there and that was pretty much the end of the professional side to (soccer) for me,’’ Sekulovski said.

‘‘I came back to Melbourne and did the surgery, did the rehab and spent a bit of time in the VPL last year, so I essentially took that first step into life after (soccer) which was difficult in the initial stage.’’

Having returned to domestic soccer last season, when he played with Hume City FC, that sense of adventure has brought the well-travelled defender to Shepparton where he hopes to be part of something special with Goulburn Valley Suns.

‘‘The number one thing was the fresh start and being able to build something from the ground up. I think that’s very exciting,’’ Sekulovski said.

‘‘It fits in with what I want to do with my family, being able to settle down and spend some time with the kids and enjoy my (soccer).’’

Building a legacy is at the forefront of Sekulovski’s mind, no matter how difficult the road ahead is.

‘‘In the first instance I’ll travel from Melbourne (to play), but then I’ll look to try and settle here and try and do something special for the (soccer) club and the town itself,’’ Sekulovski said.

‘‘Speaking to Melv (Wilkes), the committee and the boys; everyone knows its a tough ask, but that’s the beauty of a challenge and that’s the beauty (of soccer).

‘‘No one is saying it’s going to be easy and we know it won’t be, but I think everyone is up for it and as long as everyone’s on the same page. . . I think people will start to see it coming together.’’

Sekulovski was impressed with the quality of Wilkes’ coaching and said he brought an element of professionalism to the set-up.

‘‘It’s fantastic to have someone of his quality here, particularly with a lot of young boys,’’ Sekulovski said.

‘‘Hopefully some of us older guys can bring our own experience and just help those younger players achieve their goals.

‘‘NPLV is going to be a big step for them and hopefully, God willing, they can take that next step to professional (soccer).’’

Sekulovski has been managing a corked calf for the past week that caused him to miss last weekend’s friendly against FC Bendigo, but he was confident he would be ready for Oakleigh Cannons tonight.

‘‘The body will be right, the mind will be right and I’m just really looking forward to round one,’’ Sekulovski said.

‘‘Hopefully we can get a good start to the season.’’