The Sky’s the limit for young Sharks star Oliver Randazzo

Sutherland Sharks midfielder Oliver Randazzo is the newest kid on the block in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s. 

It’s not every season that you see a 16-year-old as a mainstay in the NPL NSW Men’s first-grade competition, let alone being entrusted with dictating play from midfield.

However, Randazzo is writing his own script at the Sharks in 2023.

It’s been a swift rise through the ranks for the still high-school student, moving across from the Western Sydney Wanderers academy set-up to Sutherland Sharks this season.

Having played in the Skills Acquisition Program at the Sharks when he was younger, this campaign is his first time back at Seymour Shaw.

His impressive performances in the under-20s competition saw first-grade coach Damir Prodanovic give Randazzo a shot at the top level – something the midfielder wasn’t expecting so soon.

He came on for the final third of the game against Central Coast Mariners in round three.

“It was a goal at the start of the season to try and get some first-grade minutes under my belt,” Randazzo explained.

“To be honest, it has come around earlier than what I was expecting. I thought it would take a bit longer, but I got presented with the opportunity and I jumped at it.

“I was super excited when I found out that I’d be getting my debut and I’d be on the bench.

“I wouldn’t say that I was nervous, but I was just really looking forward to it.”

After that, Randazzo pivoted between the first-grade and under-20s teams before being rewarded with his first NPL NSW Men’s start against Bulls FC Academy in round 14.

The aspiring playmaker has now started three games in a row, but he said his proudest moment so far was his maiden senior goal two weeks after his starting debut. His bouncing volley following a corner won the points against Sydney Olympic that day and continued Sutherland’s surge up the table.

“My job was to be on the edge of the box, but it sailed over to the back post, and I thought I should run onto it and hit it,” he said.

“I made good connection, and it went in the top corner.

“Honestly, I just ran after I scored. Didn’t even think about celebrating, I was very excited.”

Randazzo heaped praise on coach Prodanovic and the rest of the staff at Sutherland for his development.

A former NPL NSW Men’s player, Prodanovic has coached Randazzo through his school soccer program, which was a key reason for the midfielder joining the Sharks.

Adapting to the increased physicality of men’s football has been a big challenge for Randazzo. But he said he’s been learning from the experienced players in the team including seasoned defender Mitchell Stamatellis.

While the talented youngster has the world at his feet, he emphasised the importance of remaining grounded. Prodanovic echoed this sentiment speaking after the Sharks’ defeat against Wollongong Wolves in round 17.

“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” he stated.

“He’ll develop, he needs to stay humble, keep working hard.

“I think the key for young players is consistency and trying to play week-in week-out and performing at a high standard.”

Sutherland host Central Coast Mariners on Friday night keen to rectify that most recent loss against the Wolves.

Feature by Timothy Gibson, on Twitter @Timg123_