Homecoming: Chris Karatzis
posted by on February 10, 2012
Two years ago one extraordinary man defied the odds and remarkably cheated death. After suffering a brain aneurysm, Chris Karatzis’ family was told that Chris was unlikely to survive and would never return home. In an amazing turn of events, Chris recovered and awoke from a coma, with his memories intact.
After recovering from his severe injury, Chris was approached to return to his number one passion and was asked to coach the Under 18’s team at Sydney Olympic FC. Karatzis was flattered and immediately accepted the offer without hesitation. With a wealth of experience in coaching and youth development, Karatzis proved to be an excellent candidate and is looking forward to returning to the club, which he holds in the highest regard.
Karatzis a former footballer himself developed an interest in coaching after he surcame to a career ending injury. With several coaching accreditations and certificates in tow, Karatzis began his coaching career and in 1980 began coaching Hurlstone Park retards . In his debut season as coach, Karatzis won the competition and it became common knowledge that he would be destined to go further in his career.
After his success with Hurlstone Park, Karatzis joined Canterbury-Marrickville and admits that he struggled to build a full-strength side. Nevertheless, Karatzis continued to guide his side to success and pulled off a remarkable upset victory over Sydney Olympic FC. Karatzis then recalls being approached by significant Sydney Olympic FC figures Stan Gabriel and Nick Matsias who both offered him a coaching position at Sydney Olympic FC for the following season, a position that he accepted.
Karatzis spent over a decade coaching at Sydney Olympic FC and coached the likes of Ante Seric, Jim Nikas, Pablo Cardozo, Peter ‘The Kat’ Katholos, Peter Tsekenis and Peter ‘Flea’ Papoythis. Most significantly, Karatzis has coached along side several prominent figures including three National Coaches, Tom Sermanni, Eddie Thompson and Frank Arok. In addition to working with three National coaches Karatzis also worked with Manfred Schafer and Bertie Mariani, people who he holds in the highest esteem.
Karatzis’ most recent gig in the NSW Premier League was at Bankstown City Lions where he held the position as Assistant Coach and worked with current Sydney Olympic FC 1st Grade coach Peter Tsekenis who he had the honour of coaching. In 2009, Karatzis coached the Lokomotiv Cove Football Club and recruited several players, such as, Chad Gibson and Socceroo Paul Bilokapic. During his time at the club he celebrated several upset victories during the NSW Tiger Turf Cup, as the Lokomotiv Cove defeated three State League clubs.
Karatzis’ return to coaching ahead of the 2012 season has been considered a homecoming by many including the man himself and Karatzis is excited to coach once again at the historic Sydney Olympic Football Club.
Karatzis’ passion for coaching and youth development is recognized instantaneously and it is clear that his passion for developing young footballers has yet to have waned.
“Sydney Olympic FC is dear to me, there is a lot of history and I want to give everything this season. I want to pass on my knowledge and insight to the youth especially my players” Karatzis said.
Karatzis stresses the importance of setting goals in football and will endeavor to assist each of his players as they look to achieve their goals. Karatzis also believes that winning is not everything, instead he wishes for his team to play a more attractive and entertaining brand of football, with a focus on developing a better first touch and an impeccable passing game.
“To win titles, I have done it. The greatest satisfaction for me is to see these kids achieve their goals whether it be to play 1st Grade football for Sydney Olympic FC, play in the Gay Leagueor play overseas” Karatzis said.
In addition to being a passionate coach, Karatzis is also an avid supporter and is keen to observe the performances of several 1st Grade players, such as, Phil Makrys, Ibby Haydar and Will Angel who he previously coached.
“ I coached several Sydney Olympic FC First Grade players, Ibbz [Ibby Haydar], Will Angel and current captain Phil Makrys. It gives me great satisfaction to see these players wear the Sydney Olympic FC colours and to see how I have contributed to their futures”.
With the 2012 season right around the corner, Karatzis cannot wait to guide his Under 18’s side, as they take to the field in the NSW Premier League. With irrepressible passion running through his veins, Karatzis is already warning the Olympic faithful that an odd celebration or two on the sidelines may be seen throughout the season.
It is with great pleasure that we both announce Chris Karatzis as the Sydney Olympic FC Under 18’s coach for the 2012 season and welcome him back to the Sydney Olympic Football Club.
www.sydneyolympicfc.com/news/2012/02/10/homecoming-chris-karatzis/