Signings for top guns
Monday, June 9, 2003
Article summary
Omonia Nicosia FC, APOEL Nicosia FC and Olympiakos Nicosia FC have all been busy in the transfer market.
Article body
Kozlej on the move
One of the biggest names to move on the island in recent days is Slovakian international striker Josef Kozlej, who has moved across town from Olympiakos to join Cypriot champions Omonia. The 30-year-old has been one of the most prolific strikers in Cyprus in the last three years scoring 56 league goals in total for Olympiakos. Kozlej has signed a two-year contract with Omonia who begin their UEFA Champions League campaign on 16 July.
APOEL sign Petkovski
Meanwhile, Omonia's rivals and UEFA Cup hopefuls APOEL have also been adding to their squad with the signing of Enosis Neon Paralimniou FC's 32-year-old striker Goran Petkovski. Petkovski - who joined Olympiakos in 1999 before moving to AEK Larnaca FC and then Enosis - has only recently gained Cypriot citizenship and that makes him another local signing for APOEL after the acquisitions of Cypriot internationals Christos Germanos and Chyrsostomos Michael. APOEL also signed Polish striker Wojciech Kowalczyk just over a week ago.
Mouzaoui moves to Nicosia
Olympiakos' parting with Kozlej was soon forgotten as the Nicosia club - who have recently undergone a change of President and a board - introduced their new signing, 28-year-old French striker Karim Mouzaoui from Greek side Panionios GS. Mouzaoui - who has signed a one-year contract with Olympiakos - was at the heart of controversy last year in Greece after being handed a six-month ban from the Hellenic National League (EPAE) for testing positive for an illegal substance. Panionios suspended Mouzaoui's contract on 23 January.
Velis unveils new contract
Cyprus's other UEFA Cup representatives and cup winners, Anorthosis Famagusta FC, have been busy within their own camp after renewing the contracts of two key players, Christos Velis and Panicos Pounas. Velis - who moved from Greek club Iraklis FC three years ago - has renewed his contract for another two years while 34-year-old Pounas - who also plays in midfield - has been persuaded to delay his retirement for another year by club chairman Kyriakos Theocharous.
