Fernandez adding that razzle-dazzle factor at the Stallions
Marconi Stallions’ up and coming young star Martin Fernandez has been one of the success stories of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s rebooted season thanks to some quality goals in recent weeks that has sent the 20-year-old’s hits viral.
Fernandez’ solo round 5 effort against Blacktown City as well as his long-range round 7 bomb against the Mount Druitt Town Rangers caught the attention of many football followers wanting to know more about Marconi’s attacking midfield maestro.
“The feeling of scoring a goal is great enough but to be receiving positive attention from people in the community is an amazing feeling and one I am very grateful for.
“I just want to keep playing my game with the team and along the way do whatever I can to help out.”
Potential A-League suitors have either flocked Marconi Stadium or have watched the number 17 in action on NPL.TV with the young gun hoping to fulfil a dream of playing in Australia’s elite football competition the A-League one day.
“It has always been a dream of mine to be a professional footballer since I was a young kid.
“If I’m given the opportunity in the A-League, I will most likely take it as it is something that I’ve worked so hard on over the past years, but until then I will do what I can to play good football at Marconi alongside my teammates and coaching staff.
“My objectives coincide with the club’s objectives as we are aiming to win both the Premiership and Championship this year and these are my main focuses.”
Since joining the club as a junior, he has spent only a solitary season away, when in 2017 he was a member of the Western Sydney Wanderers academy side who took home the Under 18’s NPL Men’s 2 Championship.
Upon returning, the young gun impressed in the Under 20’s before being offered a chance on the big stage by First Grade manager Peter Tsekenis.
But it was Freeman Sports FC that was Fernandez’ first registered club, and it was there he fell in love with the world game.
“My first registered club was Freeman. We used to play at Stockdale Park in Abbotsbury which is where I grew up. That is where I developed my love for the game as well. I then went to Canley Heights and eventually ended up at Marconi and haven’t looked back since.”
The Stallions under Tsekenis have unearthed a number of youngsters to the NPL NSW Men’s senior competition like Fernandez with the likes of Lachlan Sepping, Mason Ingram, Aiden Milicevic, Dimos Vlachos, Brandon Vella, Liam Youlley, Mark Rodic, David Ilic and Paolo Laxamana to name a few earning themselves game time in NSW’s top tier competition.
“It’s amazing that Marconi continues to provide young players the opportunity to play first team football.
“Being from the area, it’s been a dream of mine to play for the Marconi Stallions. I received my opportunity last year and took it.
“I worked hard to cement my place in the squad and have not looked back since that day.
“I believe more young players should be given these chances in Australia.
“Tseka has always said that he doesn’t care if your young or old, but if you are good enough to play, you will play, and that is a great mentality to have that motivates all our players at the club.
“Lachlan Sepping and Mason Ingram have been brilliant as well and the scary thing is that there’s more youth talent coming through the club’s ranks.”
It has been a challenging year for Fernandez overcoming injury but was delighted that the sport recommenced amidst concerns that the NPL competition was set to be postponed till the 2021 season.
“It’s been a challenging season due to the COVID pandemic and all the regulations that have come with it.
“But I feel that everyone is managing through this hard time which is always a pleasing sign.
“It’s just good to get out there and play the game I love with the boys especially after the lockdown we went through where the sport was temporarily shut down.”
All eyes will be in Sydney’s West this Sunday as Fernandez and co make the short trip to Edensor Park where they will face an in-form and traditional rivals Sydney United 58 outfit in a cracking round 8 blockbuster that can be seen live and exclusive only on NPL.TV.
“Throughout the years Sydney United 58 have always had a strong team, I am really looking forward to this match.
“It will be a great fixture as when we meet each other, traditionally we always seem to have an entertaining battle and Sunday will be no different.”
🎙️"Marty Fernandez look at him go!"
Check out this stunning individual goal from @marconi_sfc Martin Fernandez in their @NPLNSW 3-0 win over @BlacktownCityFC
Great call @TonyTannousTRBA 👏#nplnsw pic.twitter.com/eyrlo4IDjj
— NPL.TV (@npltv) August 28, 2020
🎙️ "This kid is on fire"🔥🔥🔥
.@marconi_sfc's Martin Fernandez is at it again! Check out this banger from this afternoon's @NPLNSW match. pic.twitter.com/qIo5qesWqO
— NPL.TV (@npltv) September 12, 2020
