The race to sign A-League player Alvin Ceccoli lasted just 24 hours before three-time Illawarra Premier League champions Dandaloo emerged victorious yesterday afternoon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ceccoli confirmed he would play in the Illawarra competition, but won't be in action in today's season opening match against Albion Park White Eagles at Dandaloo Sports Ground.
After having played for both Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners in the A-League over the last 18 months as well as spending time with Japanese second division side Avispa Fukuoka, Ceccoli has another new club.
Confirmation of his plans to play in the Illawarra competition, submitted to the Illawarra Football Association an hour before the 5pm deadline, provides a huge boost to the league.
The former Socceroos defender said he was glad to have his short-term playing future settled.
"I am glad to have sorted something out with Dandaloo and look forward to playing for them," he said. "I will be giving this club 100 per cent and hope to help them continue the success they have had in recent years."
Dandaloo club officials said Ceccoli would be playing on a professional contract, eliminating the need for him to register as an amateur.
With Dandaloo having a bye next weekend, Ceccoli won't make his first appearance for the club until round three.
They won't have Ceccoli today, but Dandaloo are expected to welcome former New Zealand international Chris Jackson back into action from the knee injury that prematurely ended his 2007 campaign.
Despite the hype surrounding their opposition, Albion Park head into the match with nothing to fear.
A third-placed finish in the Corrimal Leagues Club Knockout included a narrow loss to eventual winners Cringila in the semi-finals.
After claiming the first trophy of the season last weekend, Cringila face a tough start to the league season in one of the three other matches to be played today.
They will make the short trip to Wetherall Park to take on a Port Kembla side that also has the talent to finish in the top four.
Wollongong United will be hoping to hit back from a disappointing 2007 when they take on Picton Rangers at Macedonia Park.
United will unveil a host of summer signings including Ljupco Naumovski, Chris Jankulovski and returning players Sam Nouh and Eddie Wong.
Today's action will be completed when Coniston take on Bulli at JJ Kelly Park in a match that won't start until 7pm.
The opening round of the season will be completed tomorrow when South Coast United meet Tarrawanna at Sir Ian McLennan Park and then later when Warilla Wanderers take on Dapto at King Mickey Park.
