I came across this celebratory shirt in the wardrobe of my holiday let in Point Lonsdale; the framed shirt was tucked away, far from the public eye. Greek footballers had a major influence on Australian football (soccer) history. Boulis Kambouropoulos, once the shirt owner, was a Greek footballer (better call him a soccer player), plying his trade in Australia. This famous number 8 arrived from Olympiacos FC in Greece ( a team I have had the pleasure to have seen play, way back) and as an emerging young talent, he played a leading role in the "South Melbourne Hellas" golden era.
Boulis (back row/fourth from right) represented the club between 1962 and 1972, winning FIVE Victorian State League championships and being a favourite amongst the supporters. He passed away tragically in 1995 aged only 52.
He is rated as a member of the South Melbourne "Team of the Century", playing between 1962-72. 16 players were selected for thre final team. Coach was Manny Poulakakis. Michael Petrovic GK, Mehmet Durakovic, Alan Davidson, Steve Blair, Ange Postecouglou (capt), Paul Wade, John Margaritis, Oscar Crino, Jim Pyrgolios, Jimmy Armstrong, Paul Trimboli. There were five players on the substitutes' bench: Peter Laumets (goalkeeper) John Bedford (defender) Takis Mantarakis (defender) Boulis Kambouropoulos (midfielder) Mike Petersen (midfielder) One of the State's prolific forwards, Armstrong was born on March 21st 1943. He played semi-pro for Renfrew and Yoker Athletic, before emigfrating to Australia in 1966, receiving international clearance from Yoker Athletic, joining Hakoah in the Victorian State League, when he scored a hat trick against Alexander in a 4-1 win. Scoring 20 goals in as many matches, he helped Hakoah to a fourth place in the division, with 7 goals and a victory in the Dockerty Cup. Prolific in the following seasons, he was awarded Player of the Season, attracting South Melbourne Hellas who duly signed him in 1970. In seven seasons he scored 89 goals in 150 league games, topping the state League honours twice and being awarded the Bill Fleming Medal in 1974. His club won three State Championships in that period.
He played for the State team against Santos, Cruzeiro, Manchester United, Werder Bremen and BRISTOL ROVERS!!! and internationally, for Australia, scoring twice in four matches. He is in the Australian Hall of Fame.
No comments:
Post a Comment