Tsekenis hangs up boots but continues coaching role

 

Former Australian youth international Peter Tsekenis will officially call time on his football career this Sunday when NSW Premier League outfit Bankstown City FC take on Blacktown City FC at Jensen Park in the final round of the competition.

After thirty-two years of playing the round ball game which has seen the 37-year-old stopper play for the likes of clubs such as Gladesville United, Enfield Rovers, St George Olympic, St George Budapest, Sydney Olympic, Newcastle Breakers and Bankstown City, Tsekenis decided that it was time to move away from the game as a player but continue on as a manager.

“It was obviously a tough decision to make as football is and has been my life since I was a kid.

“I remember kicking my first football competitively when I was five years old while I was at Gladesville United and knew then and there I wanted to do something in this sport and I can say that it has taken me to many places.

“I have never had any regrets during my time but I know the reason for me doing this came when I had a bit of time off during this season due to injury. I had a good think about it and thought it was best for me and for my family as well to give the game up as a footballer.

“I understood also that playing and managing did take a toll on me in the end and this was also another reason why I decided to call it quits.”

Tsekenis was fortunate enough to have played in the old National Soccer League with Sydney Olympic and Newcastle but also represented Australia and stated to Football NSW that it was pulling on that Green and Gold jersey for the Australian U23 squad in the World Youth Championships in Australia in 1993 that was his most memorable moment as a footballer.

“Obviously any time I wore the Green and Gold jersey I felt proud and honoured but my finest moment was being awarded the ‘MasterCard Player of the Match’ when we defeated Colombia 2-1 during the 93’ World Youth Championships in Australia.

“It was a very proud moment for not only myself but my parents too, we ended up finishing fourth which was a great achievement in what was a class team but it was a tournament I will never forget.”

Tsekenis made his debut in the National Soccer League as a 17-year-old when the then St George Budapest coach Frank Arok realised the potential he had.

“That too was a very proud moment for me as I was thrown in the deep end so early into my career but it was the best thing that ever happened to me as I never looked back from that day onwards in my football career.”

After his time in the former National Soccer League and when the competition went defunct in 2004, Tsekenis made the decision to play in the NSW Premier League and chose Bankstown City Lions as his new club as both player and manager. It was at Bankstown that Tsekenis made an impact which saw him lift the Championship trophy in his first year in 2004/05 as well take out the Waratah Cup in 2008 and were NSW Premier League runners-up in 2007 as well as coming second in the NSW Premier League competition in 2006 and 2007.

“I was very grateful that Bankstown gave me the opportunity to not only continue playing as a footballer but to commence my managerial career until now.

“To be honest when I look back at it, all these things happened so quickly during my first year at the club after my time in the NSL. I remember winning my first game in charge 1-0 against St George only to lose my second game 6-1 to the Central Coast Lightning but I could say that it was a huge learning experience for me.

“I enjoyed every minute of it at Bankstown and coaching and playing grew on me as the years wore on.

“I was fortunate to have had some great players come through the ranks at the club which made things easier for me but overall they were times I will always remember in my career as both a player and manager.”

Bankstown this season had a very indifferent year results wise and will not be partaking in the finals series but Tsekenis did state that the Bonnyrigg White Eagles were the team to beat for the Championship after Brian Brown’s men took out the 2010 Premiership.

“You have to respect Bonnyrigg White Eagles for what they have done this season, they’ve been crowned Premiers and for a good reason which could see them go all the way in the finals.

“I know from experience everyone wants to beat the Premiership winner so Bonnyrigg will have that added pressure on them as there will be four very capable teams ready to push them to the limit when the finals series commence next weekend.”

The question on everyone’s lips involved in the NSW Premier League was what’s next for Peter Tsekenis?

“I know there are a lot of rumours floating around about what’s next for me but what I can say at this stage is that I do have a clause in my contract with Bankstown stating that I can re-negotiate a second year of my contract at the conclusion of this season should the club and I come to an agreement.

“At the present moment I still have one more game and an added obligation to Bankstown which I will of course honour then I will sit down with the new board at the club to discuss my future on whether we will exercise the second year option or not.”

One aspect Tsekenis cannot wait to do now with his new free time is to concentrate on his three young boys who are currently playing football.

“Now calling time on my career as a player I can focus more on seeing my kids develop and grow as adults as well as seeing if they can make it in the game of football.

“It’s all exciting times in our household at the present moment as when one door closes, another one opens.”

Whatever the next stage in Tsekenis’ career takes shape, be rest assured you have not seen the last of the formidable former stopper who will no doubt have a place in the NSW Premier League as a manager for many years to come.

-By Mark Stavroulakis

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