Zia Sherzai is a lucky charm for Hoppers Crossing in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4 west.
The speedy left forward has claimed league best-and-fairest awards twice in the past three seasons, both times in championship-winning sides.
Sherzai told Star Weekly this year’s individual accolade was a distant second to the thrill of winning the championship.
“I wasn’t thinking about awards, I was thinking about the championships – anything else that came along was a bonus,” the Tarneit resident said.
“It’s a great honour to win that award, but it was even better to win the championship.”
Sherzai played down his impact on the team, preferring not to take any glory away from his teammates.
But the stats back the stellar nature of his season – he kicked a team-leading 15 goals, which put him second in the competition.
Having played much of his career as a flying left winger, Sherzai moved further forward to be a key plank in coach Alfonso Opazo’s front three.
Sherzai impressed the referees, polling 22 votes in the league best-and-fairest, six clear of Melbourne City’s Jean Cardonne (16) and seven ahead of teammate Alister Smart (15), who finished equal third with Jerobeam Damons (Altona North) and Salih Sozer (Brimbank Stallions).
“I wasn’t really thinking about that award and when I won it I was really surprised and humbled,” Sherzai said.
“We had a really good team and it helped a lot. I was part of a championship-winning team … if I wasn’t, I don’t think I would’ve won it.”
Sherzai put his hot season down to a big pre-season in the gym and on the training track.
Before we spoke for this interview, Sherzai had just completed a gym session – just a few weeks after the end of the season.
He wants to remain in peak physical condition if clubs from higher levels begin to make inquiries.
At 25, it could be a case of now or never if Sherzai wants to rise through the ranks, though he is enticed by thoughts of another campaign with the Reds when they rise to state league 3 next season.
“The goal was always to play at a higher level,” Sherzai said.
“If I’m going to … I should go now, but I don’t want to leave the club because we’re going so well.
“I really don’t know yet, I’m just training really hard off-season right now and [will] see what happens.”
Opazo has given Sherzai a glowing endorsement.
He says three years of good, consistent football from Sherzai should be rewarded with a contract at a club higher in the FFV ranks.
“He’s won the league best and fairest twice in three years,” Opazo said.
“That’s two league best and fairests in championship years, which is very hard to do when other players are stealing votes off you from your team.
“He just needs an opportunity to show what he can do at a higher level.”
Meanwhile, Brian Chesson has won the Hoppers Crossing best-and-fairest.
Chesson has played most of his career in the midfield, but Opazo used him in defence and he thrived.
“Having a chat to him off-season, we decided he would be better suited to the team as a stopper,” Opazo said.
“He’s very composed at the back and suits my philosophy of playing football.”
Some opponents had to resort to shirt-pulling in order to stop fleet-footed Zia Sherzai. Photo: Darren Howe
