With teams in the 2020-21 Second National giving up just four games before lockout, this season is essentially NEOL’s first in the third-place national category. With steady strides in recent years, the Kefalonia club have reached the point where they were tested for the first time at this level under the guidance of Markos Tzouganatos.

A goal that came true, but not the … is the end of the ambitions and dreams that exist within the club. As team boss Dimitris Lambropoulos explained to Sportish: “I’ve been watching the development of NEOL from the local side, the team is gradually progressing and always looking for the best. The management is the one who sets the bar, they will do the same in the summer, after the end of this season. In general, however, given the climate that prevails on the island and what I hear every day, I can say that NEOL has the tools to go one step further in the national categories“.

The “Captain” is in the ranks of NEOL in Season 4, so he knows quite a bit more. By the way, he admitted that – the way things have turned out – Kefalonia is his port: “I tell you with all sincerity that in these four years that I have been here, nothing has bothered me. I had no thought of leaving or of being tempted by anything else. I am totally happy with what is happening at NEOL and how everything is working, enjoying every moment on the island and with the team. So yeah, you could say maybe that’s my haven (laughs)“.

NEOL is currently in the top half of the table and has more wins (9) than losses (8). In any case, the primary goal – as with every newcomer – is to quickly secure a place to stay, but also to create a competitive basis for the next season at the same time.

One of NEOL’s key players, Alkis Pappas, rightly points out that “The Southern Club of the Second National is a very challenging category. Especially after the newcomers in winter by several teams. Many things are needed for a team to become a star. Personally, I think the direction is to build a base this year, to have an understanding of the demands of the category, to have a transitional situation with the goal of being even better next season. NEOL actually wants to build for the next season this year. The club understood what it takes to make a championship. We had some mishaps that set us back into the season but we’ve found a rhythm again and are optimistic about continuing“.

However, the big “plus” has to do with the organization and the way it works off the court, which allows players to just focus on the game – assuming everything else is resolved. Alkis Pappas (who has a complete CV from the national categories) points out: “There is great organization and the planning in everything that concerns the team is excellent. From the most important to the least important. The efforts being made at the club are serious and I feel fully justified in my decision to play for NEOL. There is administrative solvency and calm that “passes” to the players. This is especially important when thinking about non-island children. Somehow I realized that I had made the best choice for me“.

Incidentally, NEOL’s actions are not limited to those of the Second National. The club is also actively involved in charitable activities, such as Sunday March 13 at the Lixouri Indoor Gym. Where NEOL faces SPAKE (Greek Veterans Association) with the aim of raising money for the financial support of Kefalonia Orphanage “O Sotir”.

As for the sequel? The sky is the limit. NEOL made it to Second National but doesn’t want to stay there. A new (small) goal is set every day, with the club’s ultimate goal of achieving the highest possible point. Wherever that is.