The 2009/2010 National Youth League player of the year was Panni Nikas. He now has a tough decision to make, where to continue his football?
Rumours came out this week from Greek press that he will be joining Greek second division side Kerkyra in the new season and joining forces with Nathan Burns. Burns has been a revelation in the Greek second division this year helping Kerkyra to basically secure promotion to the top flight of Greek football.
Panni Nikas has been fantastic in the NYL this season at the Central Coast Mariners whereby his also topped the goal scoring chart. New coach Graham Arnold has made another one of his decisions that no one can understand by choosing not to sign Pani on to a first grade contract.
Now Pani has one of the toughest decisions in his career to make. Sutherland Sharks or Sydney Olympic FC?
Both presidents and head coaches of the clubs would give a limb to have Pani in their squads and now the decision is in the hands of the young attacking midfielder.
Nikas’ Facebook page has been inundated with hits from Olympic fans asking him to think carefully and pick he’s childhood team Sydney Olympic.
With Sydney Olympic a national club and Sutherland ambitious yet nothing more than a smaller neighbour you would think the decision would be obvious, however Sutherland is the club that gave Pani his first grade debut and put him on the map.
Sydney Olympic is a club that has produced over 60 Soceroos and produced many legends and the club Pani used to watch play every Sunday in the NSL with his family.
The choice is with Pani, but will he make the right choice?
clayton
Guest
I would love to see Panni head over to Greece and get time with a second division club. Or get signed by a different A-league club, and do well.
Ian
Guest
'New coach Graham Arnold has made another one of his decisions that no one can understand by choosing not to sign Pani on to a first grade contract.' I am not an Arnie supporter (and you are probably not interested) but the rationale is simple - Rostyn Griffiths got the 18th spot - basically someone that plays the same position as Panni and can cover CB as well. Griffiths is basically the same age as Panni and has played 24 HAL games vs Panni with one. No contest. With 19 spots gone I think the Mariners need to aim higher for the remaining spots - especially as they need more attacking midfielders - both central and wingers. I suspect the only remaining signings will be the fabled Argie #10 and a couple of skillful and speedy wingers - probably all visa players.
Rhys
Guest
Sutherland are also one of if not the only club who actually make a (quite healthy) profit, and don't rely on handouts and donations to survive.
RickG
Guest
Maybe in the past, but they both play in the NSW state league now.
Legend
Guest
sorry mate who is sutherland? Olympic have won 2 National championships and produced dozens of soceroos, sutherland what?
RickG
Guest
Why don't you just come out with it and say 'Panni must sign with Olympic or else!' We know that in your opinion the world revolves around Sydney Olympic, so don't try to be objective now. You say there's romours he's heading to Greece, but a couple of pars down it's just between Sutherland and Olympic. I don't understand how Olympic is a National club and Sutherland 'ambitious yet nothing more than a smaller neighbour' when they both play in the NSW state league.
spezza
Guest
Make the right choice panni, olympic is your home