Naum Sekulovski arrived at Perth Glory for the inaugural Hyundai A-League season wanting to play finals. And while it has taken five years for that to happen, he has no doubt a victory awaits in Wellington on Sunday.
Sekulovski has stuck through the bad times with the Glory that has seen them unable to make the Hyundai A-League finals over the first four seasons and there was also a point under Ron Smith where he almost left the club, but now having stuck around he’s over the moon to be part of the finals.
The first final for the Glory couldn’t be a tougher ask having to head to Westpac Stadium in New Zealand to play the Phoenix, but the 27-year-old has no doubt a victory is coming Perth’s way with him playing a big part in it.
“I think player for player we can match them, we have matched them and have played the better football over there without getting too much reward. I think we’re a great chance,” Sekulovski said.
“There’s a little bit more pressure and I think we perform well under pressure. I think we’ll get the points. It’ll be 3-1 Glory. I’ll score one. A Johnny Warren outside of the boot.”
The Glory was one of the most successful clubs in the old National Soccer League and that is what attracted Sekulovski to come to Perth at the start of the A-League, but despite the lack of success so far he is glad he saw it through.
“This is unbelievable, it really is a dream come true for me. Things have taken a turn for the better from a couple of years back, I’ve had a great season and played the majority of games. Finally finals footy has come to Perth Glory and it’s better late than never,” Sekulovski said.
“I’ve been waiting a very long time. I came to Perth and obviously the club had a great history in the old NSL and that was one of the attractions. Finally we are here after five years, so we’ll be busting a gut.”
Playing at left back will leave Sekulovski with a big job to help keep in check the likes of Paul Ifill and Leo Bertos from the Phoenix.
“We’ve been quite strong out the back and that’s something we’ve focused on this year. We’ve just got to continue to do that. It’s a big game and I’m sure all the boys will be up for it,” he said.
“Obviously we’re going to have to be extra special there with them having a good home record, but I think we’re more than capable. They are quality players and we’ve had to deal with them on three past occasions. We know what to expect and I’m sure we’ll do very well.”
The Melbourne -born and raised Sekulovski has also sought out some divine intervention ahead of Sunday’s game in the form of calling upon his ancestry.
“I went to the Macedonian church on the weekend to light a few candles to do the right thing and get the Gods on our side. I’m named after a famous Macedonian saint as well and he’ll get us through,” he said.
