Adelaide United’s centre-back Panagiotis Kikianis shares with aleagues.com.au the experience from a memorable night in 2016 that cemented his aspiration to represent his childhood club, along with how the Young Socceroos’ remarkable victory at the Asian Cup can serve as a catalyst for the upcoming generation.
Before stepping up to take a penalty for the Young Socceroos in the Under-20 Asian Cup Final, Kikianis had never faced a penalty in a competitive setting.
During the final held in Shenzhen, China, in March, Australia and Saudi Arabia were locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
Both teams successfully converted their initial four penalties. Then, it was Kikianis’ moment as he prepared to walk towards the spot.
“We’d been training penalties throughout the tournament, but I wasn’t certain if I’d get a chance to take one,” Kikianis revealed to aleagues.com.au.
“However, once the final whistle blew, Liam Reddy, our goalkeeping coach, approached me and asked if I was ready to take a penalty – and my answer was always going to be yes.”
“It’s a daunting moment, but you need to back yourself and select your target. As I approached the ball, I felt surprisingly calm. All the nerves were back on the halfway line. When the ball hit the back of the net, it was an enormous relief.”
Kikianis executed his penalty with precision, putting Australia ahead 5-4 in the shootout.
What transpired next etched the Young Socceroos’ name into the annals of Australian football history.
A stunning save from Steven Hall, who diverted Bassam Hazazi’s penalty off course, secured the Young Socceroos their first championship of Asia.
This squad, featuring talent from the Isuzu UTE A-League and 23 of Australia’s most promising young players, remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, clinching the nation’s inaugural Under-20 Asian Cup title.
Emotions ran high in the changing rooms as the Young Socceroos celebrated together, solidifying bonds that will last a lifetime.
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“I witnessed tears from people I never expected to see,” Kikianis said. “And it wasn’t solely the players; everyone had a significant role to play.”
“Reflecting on it, it’s astounding what we achieved. It was incredibly rewarding since the group of boys we had was hardworking and down-to-earth. We enjoyed great camaraderie, and the coaching staff, from the team manager to the physios and fitness trainers, were the best people I’ve encountered in football.”
“The manner in which we accomplished it, remaining unbeaten and performing exceptionally, was beyond my imagination. It felt like a dream fulfilled.”
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Just a week after achieving glory in Asia, Kikianis turned 20. As one of four current Adelaide United players in the Young Socceroos, he signed a five-year deal – the most prolonged contract in Isuzu UTE A-League history – having showcased consistent play at the club level and returning a champion.
Out of the 23 players who secured the Under-20 Asian Cup for Australia, 17 are currently in the Isuzu UTE A-League. The current league season is witnessing a surge of emerging talents, and Kikianis is confident that this tournament win will instil confidence in the young players coming up through their clubs and making waves at the senior level.
“It simply boosts their confidence,” he stated.
“So many younger players now are making appearances every week in the A-League, and they’re performing admirably. They’re not just kids; they’re genuinely mature footballers.”
“It’s fantastic to see this shift in Australia, as other countries have already embraced it. Players aged 17, 18, and 19 are representing prestigious clubs globally. Gradually, we are witnessing even 16 and 17-year-olds playing in the A-League, which is thrilling for Australian football.”
“It demonstrates that a real pathway exists; if you believe in yourself and put in the effort, once you reach this level and perform well, your opportunities can be limitless. That’s the unpredictable yet wonderful aspect of football: a few standout performances can turn your life around.”
“As long as the likes of myself and these other A-League players remain humble and committed, the possibilities are boundless.”
After returning from the Asian Cup, Kikianis along with his three teammates from Adelaide refocused on domestic duties as the Reds strive to secure a top-six finish.
Jonny Yull, Luka Jovanovic, and Fabian Talladira joined Kikianis in celebrating the Asian Cup victory, where all six South Australian squad members, including former United talents Hall and Musa Toure, featured in the final.
Adelaide is well-known for fostering young, local talent and introducing them to the senior squad. For Kikianis, securing a spot in the starting eleven has been his objective since he was 11 years old, when he sat in the stands at Adelaide Oval, watching the Reds win their first Isuzu UTE A-League Championship.
“It’s a tremendous honour,” he remarked. “It’s the kind of thing you dream of as a kid attending matches at Hindmarsh (Coopers Stadium) to see Adelaide United play in the A-League.”
“Once I began playing school soccer in Year Two or Three, that’s when I started going to games. I vividly recall finishing school on a Friday and immediately asking Dad if he had scored tickets for the weekend game. I would be hopeful for a positive reply; otherwise, I’d be incredibly disappointed.”
“Their Grand Final victory at Adelaide Oval against Western Sydney was a pivotal moment for me; it was when I realised I wanted to become a footballer.”
“Now, being able to play on the field in front of thousands of dedicated fans weekly is a surreal experience.”
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“The discussions we have daily, whether they revolve around football or life, fosters a great balance. While aiming to be the best footballers we can, establishing a deeper personal connection is essential.”
“I genuinely didn’t see the contract coming,” he added.
“It was unexpected; once my family and I reviewed it, the only choice was for me to sign it.
“At that moment, I was unaware it was the longest in history – but it’s a privilege. I could have never envisioned this, and now that it’s a reality, I’m solely focused on repaying all those who placed their trust in me and hoping for silverware this year.”
“It’s uncommon, but in Adelaide, I’m not the only one they’ve trusted; they extend that trust to all youth products, treating us remarkably well while ensuring we push ourselves during training.”
“While I may have secured a significant contract, that’s now in the past. It’s become irrelevant. I want to keep my head down and continue working hard, as it’s not about where I end my career but progressing to the highest level possible.”
“This is merely the beginning, and hopefully, all the effort will pay off eventually.”
Kikianis and Adelaide’s next challenge comes against Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night. He describes it as an “Elimination Final,” with the sixth-placed Reds aiming to cement their position in the top six, while Sydney FC seeks the three points needed to overtake Adelaide in the finals race.
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