“Wollongong Keep You Honest” – APIA Ready To Ring In 2025 With Home Opener

MATCH PREVIEW: APIA Leichhardt FC Men’s First Grade v Wollongong Wolves – NPL Men’s NSW Round 1 2025

APIA Leichhardt FC are ready to kick off their 2025 National Premier Leagues (NPL) NSW Men’s season against the Wollongong Wolves on Saturday, 8th February 2025, at 6PM at Lambert Park, Leichhardt.

It’s been a busy pre-season for the Marronazzuri with trips to Newcastle to face Northern NSW NPL outfit Belmont-Swansea United, and Leeton to compete in – and eventually win for the third consecutive year – the Macron Cup. Accompanied by fixtures Sydney-wide defeating Western Sydney Wanderers Academy (5-1), Bonnyrigg White Eagles (1-0), and Bankstown United (4-1) to name a few, Franco Parisi’s men are eager to get the competitive action underway for what will be a gargantuan calendar year.

“Everyone’s been working hard through all of pre-season, but there’s something different when it’s the first week. Everyone knows the first game is coming, and we’re excited.” said Head Coach Franco Parisi to media previewing the contest.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve had a home game [in Round 1]. We’ve played all of our Round 1’s away from home for the last three or four years, so it’s nice to be able to start at home. Hopefully we get a good turnout.”

Wollongong Wolves are the first visitors of Season 2025, who under new coach Warren Grieve will be looking to dampen the buzz surrounding the First Grade team and club overall. Per Football NSW, Grieve has made some interesting signings, with the main name being Solomon Islands international Raphael Le’ai, as well as Nicholas Olsen, Marcus Beattie and James Agnostopoulos. (NPL NSW Website)

“Wollongong keep you honest, so to play them Round 1, you know you’ve got to be at your best. They’ll always give you 100%. They’re always organised, fit, and they’ve got some great players.”

The last meeting between the two came in Round 24 of last season as a stunning Jordan Segreto free-kick in the opening stanza was pegged back by a solo effort from South Sudanese international Yagoub Mustafa. Prior to that on 7th April 2024, APIA secured a 2-1 victory over the Wolves at WIN Stadium, overturning a halftime deficit with late goals from Jack Armson and Sean Symons.

Reflecting on the lead-up to the season and match, Parisi emphasised the team’s rigorous preparation and the importance of starting the season on a strong note. He highlighted the depth of the squad, noting that both seasoned players and new signings have integrated well during the pre-season.

Parisi expressed confidence in the team’s fitness levels and tactical readiness, stating that the group is eager to perform in front of their home supporters.

“Everyone wants to put their hand up and they want to be playing in this game, and they want to be starting [or] they want to be coming on. They want to be part of what can hopefully be a magical first round.”

Regarding player availability Parisi confirmed that the majority of the squad is fit and ready for inclusion yet mentioned that a knock to forward Rory Jordan in training mid-week caused alarm bells, but the general assessment is that less of a worry is the hiccup than initially feared. Parisi also hinted at potential debuts for some of the club’s new acquisitions, expressing optimism about the fresh energy and exuberance they bring to the team.

AVAILABLE SQUAD – 2025

APIA Leichhardt: 1. Anthony BOUZANIS (GK), 2. Seiya KAMBAYASHI, 4. Josh SYMONS, 5. Dredon KELLY, 6. Anthony SPARACINO, 7. Jack STEWART, 8. Joel BERTOLISSIO, 9. Presley ORTIZ, 11. Rory JORDAN, 12. Sebastian BOFFA, 14. Max COURT, 15. Themba MUATA-MARLOW, 16. Sean SYMONS, 17. Jordan SEGRETO, 18. Adrian UCCHINO (C), 20. Alexander PARKES (GK), 21. Michael KOUTA, 22. Eddie CASPERS, 24. Cameron FONG, 29. Maksim KASALOVIC, 30. Alex DENMEAD, 41. Nick AZZONE, 80. Oliver KALAC (GK), 99. Franco FARINELLA.

The match promises to be an enticing battle, with both sides eager to commence their campaigns positively. Tickets to the clash are available at the Lambert Park gates with adult tickets priced at $15, concession $10, and children under 16 able to attend for free. You can save up to $75 across APIA home matches this season by investing in 2025 Season Membership, which is available through http://tinyurl.com/APIAMember2025 . For all further information, supporters are encouraged to visit and follow Club social media pages; Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter primarily with more video content available on YouTube and TikTok

APIA Leichhardt v Wollongong Wolves

National Premier League Men’s New South Wales Round 1

Saturday 8 February 2025

Lambert Park, Marion Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040

Kick off: 6:00pm AEDT

Broadcast Live: Football NSW YouTube Channel

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