It’s a huge week for 19-year-old up and coming Western Sydney Wanderers youngster Dean Pelekanos as he and his red and black teammates face rivals Sydney FC in the opening National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s match of the newly rebooted season this Sunday at the Ilinden Sports Centre.
“Playing Sydney FC in the first round will definitely make us a lot hungrier to start the season off with a win.
“It is always a real challenge especially versing our rivals, but we will be up to the task especially after the previous NYL season, we are looking for revenge.
“Our squad is looking really good. Physically we have improved a lot this season and our mentality to want the most from each other has also improved. We have a great bunch of lads who are willing to give it their all for each other on the pitch.”
The defensive midfielder understands the importance of being part of the NPL NSW’s top tier competition albeit for this season only as he and his fellow Wanderers teammates hope to further develop and improve as footballers moving forward.
“I honestly think being part of the top tier NPL NSW Men’s competition is very important as it will help us develop a lot faster as players.
“Being amongst quality teams will force us to step our game up and we will need to hold our own.
“It’s also a step closer towards A-League and will help the boys understand what it takes to play at a high and intense level against senior footballers week in week out.
“Our objective this season is to keep to our style of play, regardless of who we are versing.
“Our coach (Arthur Diles) has made it very clear to us that we will not change the way we play for any opponent.
“We also we want to keep our standards high and never let them drop, we will go into every game wanting to win.”
The Diles coached side will certainly be one to watch during this NPL NSW Men’s season as joining Pelekanos will be the likes of Wanderers players that have already tasted senior A-League football with Mohamed Adam, Kosta Grozos, Tate Russell, Tass Mourdoukoutas and Jordan O’Doherty ready for action.
Pelekanos himself is hoping he too can push for a maiden senior Wanderers appearance as the former Blacktown City junior has been named on the bench three times during this A-League season.
“I was lucky enough to be on the bench for three games at the start of the year for the first team, unfortunately I haven’t made an appearance yet but I am confident in my ability and will be striving to earn a debut for the first team soon.”
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