As we continue our countdown to the RAA NPLSA 2022 Season, here's Part Two of our exclusive preview.
*Please note, information in this article is referred to the 2022 Football SA Media Guide, which is sourced from information sent directly from clubs.
Cumberland United
Last season: 10th
Coach: Neil Young
Captain: TBC
Their second season back in the RAA NPLSA was one of mixed emotions, as Cumberland narrowly avoided the drop back down to State League One. Cumberland began their season in great form as new signing Jumar Oakley hit seven goals in his first eleven appearances, assisting the club to five wins in their first eight games. However, their excellent start did not last long, as the team only picked up a further ten points in their remaining 14 games.
The game that cemented Cumberland’s RAA NPLSA status for 2022, was their round 15 victory over fellow relegation rivals Adelaide Croatia Raiders, where Thomas Briscoes 88th minute winner saw Cumberland take the critical three points in the clash.
After losing star players Thomas Briscoe and Jumar Oakley, Cumberland’s recruitment was extremely important as it could determine their fate in season 2022. Lansana Smith joins the club after brief stints with Adelaide Croatia Raiders and Fulham United. Smith will have big shoes to fill this upcoming season as the young striker aims for a breakout season. Daniel Ryles also joins the club from Adelaide Cobras. The midfielder has a plethora of experience and can add great quality to the Cumberland squad. Chol Wel also arrives after spending last season at Adelaide Olympic and Adelaide Blue Eagles.
This upcoming season will be a real test for Cumberland United, who’ve proved more than capable of performing at the highest level. The biggest challenge will be regaining that early form from last season as they prepare for life without their star players.
Squad: Luke Schoen, Jack Schoen, Joshua Harvey, Tom Dittmar, Sam Carmichael, Habtamu Horne, Rocco Visconte, Harry Thannhauser, Thomas Visser, Daniel Ryles, Charlie Ince, Cohen Morris, Brayden Micallef, Riak Mayol, Wesley Weetra, Lansana Smith, Stavros Bakopanos, Minsung Park, Chol Wel, Benjamin Visser
FK Beograd
Last season: 2nd (League Finish) | Final Series Champion (State League One)
Coach: Damian Mori
Captain: Chahine Noujaim
The newly named FK Beograd recovered from their final round heartbreak with an impressive finals series performance to be crowned the 2021 State League One Champions, confirming their return to the RAA NPLSA for the first time since 2015. FK Beograd’s second-place finish did not justify the talent displayed by the club during 2021, as the club recorded only three losses in 22 games, while only conceding 17 goals, the joint lowest in the competition. Although missing out on the league premiership to WT Birkalla, FK Beograd ultimately got their revenge in the Grand Final as goals by Stefan Simic and Kyle Markham secured their Championship.
With the club's RAA NPLSA return on the horizon, coach Damian Mori has looked at improving many areas of his squad, as he looks to challenge for a top-six finish and league glory. Damian has reunited with son Josh, after the forward joins the club from MetroStars. With the loss of last season’s leading scorers in Kyle Markham and Stefan Simic, Damian wasted no time in signing two of South Australia’s top young strikers in son Josh who scored 10 goals last season, and former FK Beograd player Ninko Beric from league premiers Adelaide Comets in a season which saw him score 6 goals in 21 league appearances.
Paul Redice’s signing from Modbury Jets looks like a smart pickup by Mori, as the midfielder has proven his ability to perform in the RAA NPL as his qualities earned him a Championship with Croydon FC in 2017. Mori has also signed former Adelaide United Youth defender Cooper Nunn who recently spent a year in the United States with Monroe College where he was named in the NJCAA Men’s Soccer All-American First team. FK Beograd has attracted the likes of Adelaide Blue Eagles player of the year Isaac Mullen to booster their strong midfield depth. The club has also beefed up the squad with RAA NPLSA talents such as Christian Sotira (Adelaide Blue Eagles), Stansia Velinov (Adelaide Blue Eagles), Filimon Asefa (Croydon FC), Gideon Arok (Central Coast) all arriving for the upcoming season.
With an impressive off-season, Mori will hope his team can quickly gel together, as the new kids on the block will have a massive point to prove. It looks to be an exciting season for the fans and players of FK Beograd.
Squad: Stanisa Velinov, Filimon Asefa, Ninko Beric, Chahine Noujaim, Massimo Falco, Paul Radice, Antonios Natsiopoulos, Isaac Mullen, Christian Sotira, Akok Akok, Thomas Love, Dealer Chamberlain, Nikola Jokic, Jordon Pudler, Evan Kounavelis, Jacob Butler-Bowdon, Joshua Mori, Jace Cummins, Cooper Nunn, Jacob Disotto, Fergus Shoemark
MetroStars
Last season: 4th
Coach: Robbie Saraceno
Captain: Anthony Solagna
In another season that showed so much promise for MetroStars, the way the season ended must have hurt. MetroStars only won two games in their first 14 matches and were on course for a top-two finish. However, a poor end to the season saw the club win one of their remaining eight matches, topped off with a final-day loss to relegated Adelaide Croatia Raiders. Things got worse for MetroStars as they were knocked out by newly promoted Sturt Lions in the first round of the Finals Series.
MetroStars had several high performers during the season within Fabian Barberio finishing equal third in the Sergio Melta Medal tally, while Hamish Gow proved to be a top talent finishing seventh in the medal tally demonstrating his potential to be one of the best in the league.
MetroStars experienced many major blows during the offseason as leading goal scorer Joshua Mori left for FK Beograd, while club legend Michael D’Aloisio announced his retirement. However, the return of former player Paul Blefari will booster the squad as season 2022 marks his return after a 13-year absence. Blefari joins after an impressive season where he helped Adelaide Victory to a top 6 finish in State League One. The signings of young duo Jackson Walls from Adelaide Croatia Raiders and Phillip Cash from Adelaide Victory could prove valuable signings, while experienced keeper Luke Ostbye from Playford City joins the club and will add great competition for the starting goalkeeper spot. MetroStars look to have found their new attacking sensations with Cameron Woodfin arriving from American outfit Chattanooga FC and Ren Nagamatsu arriving from Japanese side Artista Asama.
The club will continue to trust in their successful youth program, as the club announced that reserve players Francesco Schimizzi and Connor O’Rielly will join former reserves teammates Alessio Melisi, Luke Frangakis, and Ariath Piol amongst the first team. While former MetroStars junior Nicholas Pedicini arrives after spending time with Adelaide United Youth.
MetroStars will no doubt be pushing to challenge for the higher honors once again in 2022, as they hope the quality of their new signings can take the club to the next level.
Squad: 10 Anthony Solagna, 1 Isaac Carmody, 18 Fabian Barbiero, 12 Alessio Melisi, 23 Christian Esposito, 8 Rocky Callisto, 4 Justin Davis, 5 Tim Henderson, 7 Hamish Gow, 3 Luke Frangakis, 19 Cooper O’Donnell, 9 Tom Strain, 11 Ariath Piol, 6 Paul Blefari, 16 Francesco Schimizzi, 15 Nicholas Pedicini, 2 Connor O’Rielly, 20 Luke Ostbye, 22 Jackson Walls, 14 Phillip Cash, Cameron Woodfin, Ren Nagamatsu
South Adelaide
Last season: 6th
Coach: Andrew Calderbank
Captain: Robert Parker
South Adelaide underwent a season of many highs and lows, which eventually climaxed with a sixth-place finish. South’s season came to an end after a heartbreaking penalty loss against Sturt Lions in the second round of finals football. In their first year back in the RAA NPLSA, South Adelaide proved why they are a team to be feared, as the club produced many iconic performances, memorably their 4-4 draw with Adelaide Croatia Raiders in round 17.
The Rideout brothers again proved why they are one of South Australia’s hottest properties, as Jonathan contributed to 12 goals earning him the runner-up spot for the league golden boot, also receiving a spot in the Team of the Year. While brother Alex produced 7 goals, finishing fifth in the Sergio Melta Medal race. Both Jonathan and Alex contributed to 50% of South Adelaide’s goals combined in 2021.
To back up their sixth-place finish in 2021, South Adelaide’s have strengthened their squad with the new signings of Trey Williams from Campbelltown City, Ryan Wood from Adelaide Blue Eagles, Melad Ahmad from Magpie Crusaders United in NPL Queensland, and Donovan Pollock from Modbury Jets. Williams arrives off a successful campaign with Campbelltown where he contributed to 5 goals as they finished third. The former Queen’s Park Rangers youth prodigy will provide the explosiveness and talent to assist the Rideout brothers in the attacking third. Wood arrives off a season that saw him make 20 appearances during his time between Cumberland United and Adelaide Blue Eagles. While new teammate Ahmad is a former FFA Centre of Excellence prospect who memorably contributed to a standout season while with WT Birkalla where he contributed to 6 goals in 11 appearances in 2020. New signing Pollock arrives with great goalscoring ability and incredible talent on the ball, with the former Jet scoring 9 goals last campaign to assist his team to a place in the State League One Semi-Finals.
After retaining most of his squad from season 2021, coach Andrew Calderbank will be extremely ambitious for this upcoming season. South have taken to life back in the first division better than most promoted sides, so there’s a big chance that they can cause another stir within the RAA NPLSA this season.
Squad: Ryan Veitch, Michael Goode, Robert Parker, Blake Lindsay, Jack Rudge, Jonathon Rideout, Alexander Rideout, Jai Conroy, Jack Ellis, Callum Nissen, Liam Wooding, Jackson Stephens, Brett Rayner, Declan Gray, Trey Williams, Thomas Parks, Declan Finney, Melad Ahmad, Donovan Pollock, Ryan Wood
Sturt Lions
Last season: 5th
Coach: Lino Fusco
Captain: TBC
Promoted to the RAA NPLSA from State League One in 2021, Sturt Lions felt right at home in their first season back, as they defied many people’s expectations throughout the year as one of the competition's top entertainers. The Lions started the season strongly recording three wins in their first five matches before experiencing a slight dip in form. Though, a strong second half of the season secured the club that valuable fifth-place finish, as they only felt three defeats in 14 matches. This great form lead Sturt’s fairy-tale story into the final series as the heroics from keeper James Kalppers sent the club into the Semi-Finals. However, their dream, unfortunately, came to an end as an extra-time goal from Adelaide Comets ended Sturt’s season early.
Alexander Sortini and Gonzalo Rodriguez both produced stellar seasons, which saw both stars earn top ten finishes in the Sergio Melta Medal race, while former Adelaide United legend Michael Marrone’s talent and experience proved vital in the latter of season 2021. With all three-star players remaining at the club in 2022, The Lions look at a dangerous side. Though, the departure of defender Cooper Mullins is a major loss for the Lions, as the fullback contributed to 7 goals, leaving a massive void in the squad.
Sturt’s already formidable attack has been given more depth as Tyreece Conway and Will Plush arrive from WT Birkalla. Conway is an explosive attacker with incredible goalscoring abilities, with the 19-year-old contributing to 8 goals in 13 games in his first season with the WT Birkalla first team at the age of 17. Conway placed 5th in the State league One Player of the Year votes in 2021. While teammate Plush will add additional experience into the squad, as he contributed to 12 goals over his past two seasons. The signing of young keeper Jed Gauci from Adelaide City will also provide great competition for first-choice keeper Klappers, while the arrival of Zack Gomes from Modbury Jets will offer great versatility in their defensive line.
Sturt will aim to bring their competitive form from the 2021 season into this upcoming season, as they look to back up an impressive first season back in the RAA NPLSA. After bowing out in the semi-final, Sturt will be prepared to put everything on the line to book a place in this year’s Grand Final.
Squad: James Klappers, Daniel Guastella, Jonathan Fusco, Tyreece Conway, Akira Kobaishi, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Alexander Sortini, Samuel Voigt, Samed Altundag, Toby Nelson, Jacob Atkinson, Lachlan Duffy, Ben Woollard, Caden Yates, Brandon Centofanti, William Plush, Michael Marrone, Luke Fusco, Zack Gomez, Jed Gauci, Cale Nagle, Valentino Esposito
WT Birkalla
Last season: State League One League Premiers | Runner’s Up (State League One Finals)
Coach: Jason Trimboli
Captain: Christopher Ashwood
The first State League One club to qualify for promotion to the RAA NPLSA in 2021 was WT Birkalla, who topped the league in dramatic fashion after a final day 1-0 win over Para Hills Knights. In 22 league gamers, WT Birkalla contributed to 14 wins in 2021. While WT Birkalla’s finals series didn’t end the way wanted, the players and coaches weren’t too concerned given they were guaranteed promotion back into the first division for the first time since 2018.
The final day of the season was the club's biggest highlight, as White City draw and a 90+ minute winner from former player Will Plush saw WT Birkalla become league premiers on goal difference. This was capped off with Jason Trimboli’s excellence on the touchline earning him the 2021 State League One Coach of the Year.
WT Birkalla ability to retain the majority of their championship-winning squad including the likes of leading goal scorers Luca Trimboli and Calvin Mbarga, Player of the Year David Makridis, star Jake Monaco and captain Chris Ashwood will provide great hope for the club this upcoming season. However, the loss of up-and-coming prospect Tyreece Conway to RAA NPLSA opponents Sturt Lions will hurt as helped largely in their promotion into the first division. The heartbreaking loss of first-choice keeper John Solari before deadline day means that WT Birkalla will be without a number one keeper for the start of the season.
Stefan Simic arrives from State League One rivals FK Beograd after the 24-year-old scored the final goal against his current club in WT Birkalla’s Grand Final loss. During his time at FK Beograd, Simic scored 22 goals in 44 league appearances. The attacker has tremendous experience in the RAA NPLSA at such a young age, as the forward has represented MetroStars and Adelaide Comets where he made the 2019 Grand Final.
Austin Ayoubi returns to his boyhood club in 2022 after a brief stint at Adelaide City where he won the RAA NPLSA Championship. Another forward arriving at WT Birkalla is Nathan Munro from Croydon FC, who makes his return to the club for the first time since 2014. Munro is a proven attacker in the league and will continue to prove dangerous this upcoming season. WT Birkalla has provided captain Chris Ashwood with defensive reinforcements with the signing of former Adelaide Blue Eagles defender Christian D’Angelo, while former WT Birkalla player George Mannion returns to the club after a stint in the United Kingdom with Colwyn Bay.
As the new kids on the block, WT Birkalla will have all to prove this upcoming season, as they look to have a smooth transition from State League One to NPL. Their first match against Adelaide Comets will be their first major test of the season.
Squad: CHRISTOPHER ASHWOOD, JOHN PAUL CIRILLO, CALVIN MBARGA, NICHOLAS HARPAS, JAMES POLLI, ANTHONY QUICI, YASMIN SUDIC, JAKE MONACO, DAVID MAKRIDIS, NOAH BENOUZEKRI, CHRISTIAN DANGELO, GEORGE MANNION, NATHAN MUNRO, AUSTIN AYOUBI, STEFAN SIMIC, LIAM CONWAY, CHARLIE YULL, LUCAS TSACONAS, ETHAN STEVENSON
