Experience counts for Aussie masters footballers
Of Australia’s five football teams that will play at next month’s Maccabiah Games in Israel, one probably has as much experience as the other four combined.
Australia will not only field a team in the inaugural Maccabiah over-55 men’s football comp, but as its player-manager Lawrence Mendelowitz points out, “We played a key role in putting the idea forward to the Maccabi World Union.
“We were so excited when they approved it, and that there will be a very competitive nine-team competition.
“Although we have three Maccabiah debutants, the rest of our players have been to many Maccabiot, so we’re treating this as a very special occasion, as chances are, it may be our last.”
The squad includes former National Soccer League star and Hakoah legend Jon Pillemer, who will play in his ninth consecutive Maccabiah Games, after making his debut in 1989 with his brothers Michael and Russel, who are also in the team, for the fourth time.
“It’s amazing – I never thought I’d get to play again in Israel with my brothers – and we’ll be cheered on by our 81-year-old mother, Yvette,” Jon Pillemer said.
“And we’re very fortunate to be coached by former Scotland and Glasgow Rangers player Gavin Rae, who was player-coach at Hakoah for many seasons.”
Rae, who is thrilled to be coaching at his first Maccabiah, said he was approached by his former Hakoah teammate Neil Jablonski – who also played professionally in Scotland, and is coach of Australia’s over-45 Maccabiah men’s team.
Michael Pillemer’s sons Zach (20) and Tom (16) are in a youthful Australian open men’s squad, that includes a stack of young Hakoah and North Caulfield Maccabi FC state league footballers.
Jon Pillemer said his nephews, and their teammates, “are absolutely buzzing about Maccabiah, they also have a top coach in former Socceroo Zlatko Arambasic, and despite facing tough opponents, I’m quietly confident they’ll do well”.
Australia will also field teams in the U16 boys’ and U18 girls’ competitions.
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