Paul Okon
08 September, 2008
not many footie fans have ever heard of paul okon, despite having played for as roma and leeds united during his heyday, winning 37 caps for australian national team and famously led the aussies to a memorable win over sven goran eriksson's england team in 2003.
so, after a colourful career that took him to italy, england and belgium, he decided to called it a day, after a brief stint with australian a-league side newcstle jets in june 2007.
however, he was convinced by tom beris, a fan and a park side footballer, to came out of the retirement, and join fellow former internationals to play for west ryde rovers in an over-35 competition. the team quickly became the talk of the town and powered through the division, despite at times being short of numbers due to other commitments.
yet, tragedy strucked when beris was diagnosed with cancer at the end of 2007. beris was a passionate football player, always the first to training and matches. even after he was diagnosed with cancer, he still attended the matches, lending the team his support when in truth he was the one who needed it.he passed away at the age of 44.
the living memory of beris in their minds spurred okon and his teammates as they finished the season undefeated, and in the process booked a date with epping eastwood in the grand final.
at the christie park, watched by hundreds of supporters on a freezing winter evening, okon came out lively, rallied his team with passes from the midfield, as his class shone throughout the match.
however, despite his courageous efforts, the team came up short, and were duly beaten 3-1. they had failed to deliver what could have been an excellent and fitting tribute to beris. sadness shrouded the team as they leave the field, obscured to the fans by the sights of the opposition celebrating their triumph.
dejected, okon walked slowly out of the pitch and shaked his opposition hands along the way. and as he make his way out, he almost certainly had whispered his goodbye to the beautiful game.
Posted bySyafiq Ridhwan at 3:54 AM
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