On the road: from Caulfield to Bondi

THERE is 893 kilometres between Caulfield Park and Bondi Beach and Melbourne-born Gidi Sweet travelled each one of those as he made his way to Sydney to be an integral part of a finals-hopeful Hakoah Sydney City East Football Club in the NSW National Premier League.

Sweet settled into his new city and club with ease, paying homage to the people surrounding him.

“It feels like home away from home,” Sweet told The AJN. “Everyone made me feel very welcome and the board as well as the players have become my second family.”

When it came to making the decision, Sweet said it was an easy one, as he strives to play at the highest level under the A-League.

“It was a great opportunity to play at the highest level for a Jewish club,” Sweet said. “I thought it was the right move and time in my career as there was nothing tying me down to Melbourne.”

Hakoah president Michael Katz said Sweet has been a very welcome addition both on and off the pitch.

“Gidi has been a brilliant fit for the club in every way,” Katz told The AJN. “He’s not missed a minute of football and been one of our best players on the field, and is a fan favourite and real mensch off the field.”

At the time of writing, Hakoah sit in eighth position, looking to propel themselves into finals-contention despite an imminent loss of players heading to Maccabiah.

Sweet is confident Hakoah can pick up some points as they try and force their way into the top 5.

“It’s a team game. Anything less than finals will be a disappointment. We definitely have the players to get there. We just have to believe.”

On top of their bid for a finals spot, Hakoah sensationally qualified for the FFA Cup Round of 32 after defeating favourite Rockdale City Suns 3-1.

They will be one of six New South Wales representatives (excluding A-League teams who enter this round) who remain in the nation-wide competition.

While Hakoah is eagerly awaiting to see who their opponents will be come the draw on June 29, they also will have to pay plenty of attention to their upcoming NSW Cup semi-final.

“Our objective is to win the Cup from here which would be a fantastic achievement for all involved in the club,” Katz said.

With Hakoah teammates Paul Orgard, Satchel Kolt and Remy Wolanksi competing alongside Sweet at the Maccabiah Games, the quintet will be joining their Australian teammates aiming for nothing less than gold.

“I have never won Gold, so that would be incredible,” Sweet said.  “The dream is Gold.”

DANIEL SHANDLER