South Melbourne coach Sinisa Cohadzic has revealed his club had made it a priority to this year become the first non-A-League outfit to win the Australia Cup.
Cohadzic’s men beat Victorian rivals Preston 2-1 at Genis Steel Stadium on Tuesday night to book a semi-final berth against another NPL side, Brisbane team Lions FC, next month at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne.
“Our objective was this year, believe it or not, was to go and win the (Australia) Cup,” Cohadzic told Paramount Plus.
“We’ve got to where we are now. It’s a big opportunity for us, but let’s not underestimate Lions, a good team … so it will be a good game at Lakeside in the semi-final.”
The winner of the South Melbourne-Lions battle will take on either Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory in the Cup final, with the A-League rivals to meet in the other semi-final, most likely at Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.
The Australia Cup is one of four competitions South Melbourne is part of, the other three being NPL Victoria, the Australian Championship, and the OFC Pro League.
Winger Arran Cocks, who scored the winning goal against Preston on Tuesday night, said South Melbourne’s busy schedule had helped create a “family” at the club.
“I don’t think if I’ve ever been in a closer knit group of boys,” Cocks said.
“We’ve played 46 games already, travelled with each other and we’re like family now.
“We’ve always got each other’s back. We’re sometimes harsh on each other, but in a good way, and then we’re always together, no matter what.
“Hopefully, we win (the Australia Cup). That’s all we’re aiming for.”
Cocks and his team return to NPL Victoria duty on Saturday night against Caroline Springs George Cross at City Vista Recreation Reserve.
South Melbourne has already secured a top-six berth, with a likely elimination final against Preston looming next month.