James Temelkovski has taken the long way round when it comes to getting into the big time.
He has gone from the NPL NSW, to the Huesca youth side in Spain, stints in Victoria and South Australia, and finally back home to Sydney again, and he finally has the chance to make his mark in the A-League with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
At 26-years-old, he may be considered more experienced for someone about to make his pro debut, but Temelkovski feels it will serve him and a young Wanderers side well.
“All of them (his former clubs), gave me experience, especially Spain,” Temelkovski said.
“The football there, and then the level and intensity grew me as a person as well, off the field and on the field.
“Travelling interstate and meeting new people, you become a better person and you’re a better footballer as well, you adapt your game.”
Temelkovski proved his ability with Marconi in the NPL NSW competition this season, scoring 22 goals in 27 games as the Stallions won the Grand Final 3-0 against Rockdale, with Temelkovski scoring once in the game.
It was during the finals series contact began with the Wanderers, and since joining the club he has felt welcomed by his teammates.
“It’s been really good,” he said, “I think the group we have here as well, it’s been really welcoming.
“I’ve come in and everyone’s said hello to me, everyone’s had a chat with me. And I think the people here are really good.
“I’ve been around a lot of team environments, and this is by far the best.
“They’re good people, but they’re even great players so it’s even better. It’s unbelievable to experience.”
He is also relishing the chance to play alongside Socceroo Brandon Borrello, All-Star Nicolas Milanovic and new marquee signing Juan Mata, and Temelkovski says he will do his best to learn everything he can off his new teammates, especially Mata the former European and world champion.
“Learning from it will be really good as well, understanding each other on and off the ball as well,” he said.
“I’m gonna learn, (be) a bit of a sponge here, I’ll absorb all the information I can.”
Temelkovski is joining a Wanderers side in a new era under coach Alen Stajcic, who is attempting to bring in talented youngsters alongside quality experienced players.
Whilst Temelkovski’s age means he may be considered part of the ‘experienced’ group of players, he is looking to prove himself on and off the pitch this season.
“(I want to) be consistent in my games as well, get as much minutes as I can,” he said.
“[I want to) be respected as a striker and as a player and just to try and prove [to] myself and a lot of people that I can play in this league.
“I’m a bit older, but I think my experience will will show a lot of people that I can play in
this league.”
He is also looking forward to playing and scoring in front of the RBB, especially in the opening round Sydney Derby.
“They’re an unbelievable fanbase, probably the best in the country by far,” he said.
“With the support and the noise they make and how many people actually come to the games, it’s unbelievable.
“I don’t know what to expect to be honest, but there will be an unbelievable atmosphere, especially for the Sydney Derby.”
Temelkovski may make himself an instant hero in Red and Black if he can score against the eternal enemy.
