I remember it like it was yesterday: May 2006, a home derby in Stockholm. The Socceroos squad had just been named. Three goalkeepers had been chosen, and Ante Covic was one of them.
Covic was the goalkeeper for my team Hammarby at that time. Hammarby were outstanding and won 2-0.
Covic only had to make one save, if I remember correctly.
Ten minutes from fulltime, my friends and I stood up with a big Australian flag (which I had bought after I heard the news).
Covic came over and took my flag, along with a pat on the back and a “good game mate” after the match.
He then proceeded to carry it around the stadium to the cheer of “AN-TE CO-VIC … AN-TE CO-VIC”.
He left at the end of the season in November to go to Newcastle Jets. To get recognised in Australia.
Now, from what I’ve read, he had mixed results. A grand final win, followed by a wooden spoon.
No longer being picked in the national team squad, why should be stay in Australia? To play in the Asian Champions League? No.
Elfsborg (Covic’s new team) are a very good team. They will be playing in the UEFA cup after the summer.
I don’t see Covic as a Judas. Hammarby has a new team and a new trainer. I can also understand him accepting an offer from Elfsborg.
The Swedish league starts on April 4, and the first game is … Elfsborg Vs Hammarby.
I will get on a bus with my friends and make the 450km drive. Along with hopefully 2000 of my fellow supporters. I won’t clap when his name is called out before the game. But I won’t boo either.
I only hope we put three past him and can once again sing: “AN-TE CO-VIC….AN-TE CO-VIC.”
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