‘It’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life’
EXHILARATED APOP-Kinyras Peyia FC, fans are still celebrating their team’s historic win of the Cypriot cup, days after the 2-0 match against AEL Limassol.
The two victorious goals were scored in the last six minutes of the game when the stadium in Nicosia erupted into a mêlée of chanting, screaming, dancing and wonderment.
Team coach George Polyviou had been working his team hard, aware of the necessity to win the cup – not only for the fans but for the history of Paphos football.
APOP-Kinyras spokesman Andreas Petrou told the Cyprus Mail, “We believed in ourselves more than the other team and managed to be the first Paphos team to reach the final and then go on to win.
“We are very, very proud,” he enthused.
After the match supporters, players and residents of Peyia partied until 5am.
“There were thousands of people in the square, with many of the foreign residents celebrating with us; it was a great feeling,” he said.
Hundreds of fans followed the team busses to Nicosia, including one full of British expat supporters, who are growing in number by the day.
“I can’t believe it,” said one fan. “We’re going to play in Europe – watch out, here we come.”
Petrou continued, “We all travelled back together and the atmosphere was electric.”
Fireworks, a live DJ, dancing and champagne all ensured Peyia celebrated in style.
And what does the win mean for the Peyia team?
“Now we will play in Europe for the UEFA Europa cup. This is very good for the whole area of Paphos and especially for Peyia, as all of Europe will hear about us,” said Petrou.
“I think its really good that we’ve managed such a high level of playing after only six years.”
APOP-Kinyras Peyia emerged in 2003, after the clubs of APOP Peyia and Kinyras Emba joined forces. Since then they have rarely been out of the limelight, not only for playing high quality football, but also for alleged positive drug testing.
Many hope this latest victory will put a stop to recent criticisms and bad press.
“I’m on cloud nine,” said James Davidson, a British expat resident.
“I have been living in Peyia for a number of years and am a supporter of our team. I can’t explain the adrenaline and the feeling of oneness we all had on Saturday. I think it’s really brought everyone in Peyia close together.”
Paphos local Fotis Nicolaides is an ardent fan and was excited about the final game.
“Three thousand of us had gone to support APOP Kinyras, and even before the game the atmosphere was electric.
“We all believed we would win. I can’t stress this enough. It was the first time we were in the cup final and a unique moment for Paphos. We were truly sure the prize was ours, and we were enjoying every moment, and celebrating even before the results,” he said.
Nicolaides continued, “When Efthymiou shot the first goal only six minutes from the end, there was an earthquake. We all went mad; he’s from Paphos, so it made the moment even more special.
“When the Belgium player, Buyse, scored two minutes from the end, it was sheer joy. The team realised they’d won and everyone was trying to control themselves,” he said.
Emotions were running high on both sides with a deafening silence from AEL supporters as a number of their players lay face down on the ground, trying to take in the enormity of the situation.
“They just couldn’t believe it,” said Nicolaides.
The management team the coach and the mayor of Peyia, all streamed onto the pitch to join the jubilant players.
“We were all like small children,” said Nicolaides. “Everyone was dancing, hugging and jumping up and down. The players were so excited. It’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Victorious coach Polyviou exclaimed, “This is a dream come true for us – we truly deserved this trophy and we will celebrate it properly. Everyone in Peyia should celebrate with us until the morning.”
On Sunday the team and the football committee accompanied the hallowed trophy in an open topped bus, to show it off to the fans.
They travelled from Peyia down to the harbour, along to Coral Bay and back to Peyia. Six hundred cars tooting their horns and waving the teams colours and flags followed them.
More celebrations followed in Peyia, as they joined residents enjoying food and drink in the municipality square. The team are now taking a short break before commencing training on June 15.
There was some confusion as to whether APOP Kinyras would fail to meet strict UEFA guidelines concerning debt, but the club’s vice president underlined on national TV that the money Peyia will receive from this win, ensures there will not be any financial problems for the club and assured they will play in Europe.
