HERITAGE ROUND: Traditions alive and well at Sydney United 58 FC

No matter their name or the level they have played that, Sydney United 58 FC have always remained true to their heritage.
Playing in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition under the guise of former junior, captain and Socceroo Mark Rudan the markers of this club’s great history are everywhere.
Tony Krslovic is another important part of the club’s illustrious history who continues to give back to the club he supported and played for at the highest level.
“I have supported this club for more than 40 years,” Krslovic said.
“I remember going to games when we were called Sydney Croatia and we were playing in the old New South Wales state leagues, going to places like the City Sports Ground and supporting the team.
“We were a very successful club in the 1970s. I remember grand finals, Wentworth Park and seeing the team play in front of crowds of 15-20,000.
“It was my dream to play for them, as it was for most kids of Croatian heritage.”
And play for United 58 FC he did.
But by the time he made his debut as a spritely 17-year-old, Sydney United 58 FC were playing in the old National Soccer League.
“I think it was 1987 that I made my debut. I remember the first game I played and it was against Adelaide City.
“It was a tough game, but I remember getting to school at 2pm the next day.
“It was pretty good. There were a few boys at schooled that played football. We had the Okon brothers with me at school so there was a bit of rivalry but it was a fantastic time.”
Krslovic would play with some extraordinary players in his time in the NSL.
“At one stage we had five or six internationals,” Krslovic – a former Socceroos himself – said.
“Graham Arnold, Robbie Slater, Graham Jennings and Wally Savor…they were fantastic players.
“Then we had the boys like Tony [Popovic] come through who were a few years younger than me.
“Zeljko Kalac, Mark Bosnich, David Zdrilic – it was a strong time for the club.”
Youth has always been a cornerstone of the club’s tradition, and Krslovic continues to contribute to that in a coaching capacity as the club’s PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Under 15 coach.
But he is happy to see that carried through across all levels of the club, particularly with Rudan coaching the seniors.
“It’s great to have him here as a coach, given he’s a former junior and captain,” Krslovic said.
“His history and ties to the club means he can continue to pass on the Sydney United 58 FC tradition to the next generation.”
-By Matthew Galea
Tickets are available at the gate of all venues this weekend. Attend your local Heritage Round fixture and use #NPLHeritageRound on social:
Heritage Round – Saturday 28 May 2016
6:30pm – Sutherland Sharks v Manly United – Seymour Shaw
7pm – Bonnyrigg WE v Rockdale City Suns – Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
7pm – Hakoah Sydney City East v Wollongong Wolves – Hensley Athletic Field
Heritage Round – Sunday 29 May 2016
3pm – Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Belmore Sports Ground
3pm – Parramatta FC v Blacktown Spartans – Melita Stadium
4pm – Sydney United 58 v Blacktown City – Sydney United Sports Centre