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The proposed merger between Southern Championship club Olympia Warriors and NPL Tasmania club Clarence Zebras has generated an enormous response.
Rather than speculate, I decided to go straight to the horse’s mouth.
George Mamacas, the former Olympia president, is one of the prime movers in the proposed merger and he provided me with his vews and compelling arguments in favour of the merger.
Here is my interview with George.
Walter Pless: Who came up with the merger proposal? Were there talks between the two clubs?
George Mamacas: I had lunch with Nick DiGiovanni. There was an understanding between both of us that our clubs were struggling and something needed to be done. I offered to get the two clubs in the room for preliminary discussions. Thus far, three meetings have been held.
WP: What would the benefits for both clubs?
GM: Clearly, the main benefit for Olympia FC would be being able to have their players and supporters back in the NPL and WSL. This would bring a pathway back to the top level of football in Tasmania for both men and woman and give rise to the supporter base and status of the club as whole.
I can say the discussion of an Eastern Shore super club was had. The combining of two of the biggest clubs in Tasmania over half a century can only be a good thing. It is my view that both clubs would benefit immensely from this merger and shake things up a bit. The resources of both clubs fed into one entity would become a force in a short period of time. We would be able to amalgamate sponsors and have a lot more influence with the Clarence City Council. Our club would dwarf every other club in the area, being Nelson and Southeast United. The Youth would gravitate directly to us as we would make it clear that we are the ‘go-to’ club for football on the Eastern Shore. There would be only one real choice, and an excellent one at that. Both clubs in their current form have been struggling for success on the field at their respective top levels. This will change.
WP: Which ground would be the home venue for the proposed new club?
GM: Wentworth Park would be the NPL and WSL venue. Empire Courier Park would be used for training in the preseason and for games below the NPL and WSL levels.
Both grounds will be utilised on any given weekend.
WP: What would be the name of the new club? Would something like ‘Olympia Warriors Clarence Zebras’ be too long-winded?
GM: The name of the club is still up for discussion. There are some definite possibilities, but I shall not reveal them as, should the merger take place, we are planning a big media exposure when the new club is launched.
WP: You say we. What will be your involvement?
GK: I have been asked by both clubs to nominate as President. This, for me, will be a huge honour and a responsibility I will not take lightly. I enjoy club administration. I enjoy winning. Both clubs currently have fantastic, dedicated football people on their boards. I will work with them and we will become one family, harnessing everybody’s strengths. To ensure the survival of both clubs’ heritage and history will be paramount to success. Making sure every man, woman and child at the club experiences football in the best possible way. I personally want all players to reach the peak of their ability, whatever that is. I would urge all budding footballers, no matter their age, to come to this exciting new club.
WP: Before any proposed merger could occur, what has to happen? For example, do the boards of both clubs have to vote on it? Do members of both clubs get a vote?
GM: I can only give certainty on the Olympia FC process, but I suspect the Clarence Zebras process will be much the same. At Olympia FC there will be an AGM meeting held on the 27th of October at the home ground. At this meeting, there will be a motion put forward. A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote will be cast by financial members only. This merger will only go ahead should a ‘yes’ vote prevail. I would urge those in attendance to vote for the ‘yes’.
WP: Your name has always been synonymous with Olympia, a club founded by Greeks, and a club that is a mainstay of Tasmania's Greek community. What would a merger with an Italian-founded and backed club mean to you and to the Greek community? Surely, it would be a unique situation in Australian football?
GM: There is no doubting that this is unique. This is the opportunity for club survival. Olympia FC right now is a different beast to what it has been in the past. The club has found it difficult since being put out of the NPL. It has been stated to me that this is an opportunity we cannot miss. The current Board has done a terrific job to keep the club in the black and trading. It speaks volumes that current Olympia President, Matthew Sly, and his board are in full support of this merger. After hearing the facts, I am as well. Parents and players are quite rightly wondering about their futures and pathways to the top levels. Sadly, the Women’s Super League has also had no Olympia FC in it for a few years. This will give Olympia girls the chance to once again play in the top league at the earliest opportunity.
WP: Have Football Tasmania expressed an opinion? Would they need to sanction the merger?
GM: Football Tasmania have, indeed, been told of the talks and are very supportive of the process.
WP: Did Football Tasmania torpedo Olympia's latest bid to be admitted to the NPL Tasmania competition?
GM: I can say that correspondence was sent to Olympia stating results and the lack of a compliant home ground were two of the major reasons for not being accepted into the league this time round. It was also made clear that it would be difficult to get in any time in the foreseeable future.
WP: What would Olympia's traditional Greek supporters think of the merger proposal?
GM: The ‘no’ voters will be voting on emotion and from an ignorance of the facts. Who are we to not heed the word of those currently at the coal face, namely being the executive board of Olympia? They are there, they know the facts and they know what is best for the club. They have my full support.
WP: Do you know what the players of both clubs think?
GM: I have spoken to Alex Holmes [Olympia’s senior coach] and he has had players express concern for pathways within the club. A merger, done the right way, will be welcomed by Olympia FC players who seek to play one day at the top level. I do not have a read on the Clarence Zebras players, other than to say if this merger can bring them success, I doubt they would any have issues.
WP: Is there a time-line for this proposal?
GM: Hit the ground running with the club playing its first game in season 2025.
