Sydney FC midfielder Anthony Caceres praises fans for setting new record, opens up on ‘weird’ game

Classy Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres has paid tribute to Sydney FC fans after they chalked up 17,000 members for the first time in their 18-year history.

The new record was set despite the A-League recording its worst ever attendance rate after a World Cup when the Socceroos’ incredible Qatar campaign was over last year.

Soccer diehards were expecting numbers to go up after the performance by Graham Arnold’s team before the opposite proved to be the case – but Sydney’s new benchmark is bucking the trend. 

‘Credit to them, they always make their voices heard and provide a great atmosphere,’ Caceres said of the club’s supporters.

‘They have been out in force since the pandemic, we love their passion even when we aren’t getting results. We need to go out and reward them for their loyalty.’

Caceres is due to line up against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday in what he believes is sure to be a ‘weird’ occasion.

The news bucks the trend in the rest of the A-League, which expected a bump in numbers at games after the World Cup, but got the opposite (pictured, empty seats at a Wellington vs Western Sydney match last December)

Given the Mariners gave him his start in the A-League back in 2012, it is easy to see why.

The elegant midfielder, 30, first played in the club’s youth team at Gosford where he soon caught the eye of then coach Graham Arnold.

‘I will always be grateful to the Mariners, they gave me an opportunity to become a professional footballer,’ Caceres told Daily Mail Australia.

‘I enjoyed my time there, it is a region which is so passionate about the game.

‘As a kid my family used to holiday on the Central Coast, so I have spent a fair bit of time there.’

The Mariners gave Caceres his start in the A-League back in 2012 when Graham Arnold was in charge at Gosford – and now it’s always ‘weird’ for him to face his old side

Caceres then moved to Melbourne City – an affiliated club of EPL giants Manchester City – in 2016 before a stint in Dubai with Al Wasl Football Club across two seasons.

When Sky Blues’ head coach Steve Corica came calling in 2019, the answer was always going to be yes.

‘Sydney FC are the biggest club in the country, it was an easy decision,’ he added.

‘Like it was at the Mariners, it is a privilege to play the game fulltime in Australia.’

On Saturday at the revamped Allianz Stadium, Caceres will be a crucial figure as the home side look to climb the A-League ladder.

Currently sitting in eighth spot doesn’t sit well with the playing group – and with the Mariners flying high in second, another potential A-League classic awaits in round 15 action.

Caceres has form against his old employers as well, scoring a brace in a 3-2 win at Leichhardt Oval last January as well as goals in a FFA Cup game in July and the 5-0 win in Gosford last April.

Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres (right) and Helen are the first wife and husband to play at the same club in the A-League and W-League – both were previously on the books of Melbourne City

Caceres’ form for Sydney FC saw him picked in the A-League All Stars squad who took on Barcelona last May

‘We need to build on our momentum, we haven’t been consistent,’ he said.

‘We have shown in patches what we can do, but if we are to keep climbing the ladder we need wins.  

‘The Mariners are energetic and play with no fear… we all know another win will ease pressure on Steve (Corica), which we owe him as a group.

‘Personally a goal would be nice, but if it happens I won’t celebrate too much out of respect for the Mariners.’