Club Overview

Hakoah Sydney City East Football Club, a semi-professional soccer powerhouse based in Sydney, Australia, has a rich history dating back to 1939 when it was founded as Sydney Hakoah by members of the city's vibrant Jewish community. The club made its mark on the national stage between 1977 and 1986, competing in the National Soccer League (NSL) under the names Eastern Suburbs (1977–1979) and Sydney City (1979–1987).

Club Formation and Early Years

The story of Hakoah Sydney City East Football Club began on a fateful Sunday in January 1939, when a group of Jewish immigrants who had been enjoying casual kickabouts at Rushcutters Bay decided to establish a formal soccer club. Thus, Sydney Hakoah Football Club was born. The club's distinctive blue and white striped shirts, adorned with the Magen David badge, would soon become synonymous with soccer excellence in Australia.

In 1954, Hakoah's star began to rise as they gained admission to the Southern League, the state's top division, alongside clubs like Sydney Austral, of Dutch origin, and Prague, which primarily consisted of Czech migrants. This marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the club's history.

National Soccer League Dominance

As a foundation member of the NSL, Sydney City took the league by storm, asserting their dominance throughout the competition's first decade. The club's trophy cabinet quickly filled up, with four titles to their name, including an impressive three-peat from 1980–1982. Remarkably, they only finished below third place once during this era. However, despite their on-field success, the club struggled to attract large crowds, and in a surprising turn of events, Sydney City withdrew from the NSL just one round into the 1987 season.

Early Success

Under the guidance of legendary coach Bob Szatmari, Hakoah emerged as one of the most formidable sides in New South Wales and interstate competitions throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. The club's success and influence extended beyond the pitch, as they played a pivotal role in the establishment of a national league, forever changing the landscape of Australian soccer.

Notable Milestones

Hakoah's journey has been punctuated by numerous milestones that have shaped the club's identity and legacy. In 1956/57, they were admitted to the newly formed first division of the New South Wales Soccer Federation, following a breakaway from the FIFA-associated Soccer Association. The club made history by appointing Jack Gibbons, a former England international and coach of the Israeli national team, as Australia's first full-time coach and secretary/manager.

In 1977, the club underwent a name change, becoming Eastern Suburbs Hakoah, and celebrated winning the inaugural National Soccer League. They also welcomed former Aberdeen star Eddie Thomson to their ranks, who would later become the club's coach and lead the Australian national team.

The following year saw another name change, this time to Sydney City, and a move to their new home ground at ES Marks Field. The club's success continued to soar under the leadership of coach Eddie Thomson, manager Andrew Lederer, and club president Frank Lowy.

The 1980s were a golden era for Sydney City, with a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Jimmy Cant, Jim Patikas, Ken Boden, John Kosmina, and David Mitchell. The club clinched three consecutive NSL titles in 1981, 1982, and 1983, cementing their status as Australia's most successful soccer club.

Celebrated Former Players

–

Ray Baartz

–

Craig Johnston

–

Murray Barnes

–

Kenny Boden

–

Ernie Campbell

–

Jim Patikas

–

Todd Clarke

–

Trevor Edwards

–

Gerry Gomez

–

Doug Holden

–

John Kosmina

–

Jimmy Mackay

–

Kevin Mullen

–

Eddie Thomson

–

Johnny Watkins

–

Ruben Bakowski

–

Rafi Levi

–

Bill Hume

–

Jerry Haldi

–

Joe Watson

–

Agenor Muniz

–

Danny Walsh

–

Dennis Moddel

–

James Wong

–

Justin Katz

–

Robert Fekete

– Ray Baartz – Craig Johnston – Murray Barnes – Kenny Boden – Ernie Campbell – Jim Patikas – Todd Clarke – Trevor Edwards – Gerry Gomez – Doug Holden – John Kosmina – Jimmy Mackay – Kevin Mullen – Eddie Thomson – Johnny Watkins – Ruben Bakowski – Rafi Levi – Bill Hume – Jerry Haldi – Joe Watson – Agenor Muniz – Danny Walsh – Dennis Moddel – James Wong – Justin Katz – Robert Fekete