Brighton FC player Lee Cafun has expressed his shock at being announced as the winner of Melbourne Heart FC’s ‘Name the Team’ competition.
Brighton FC player Lee Cafun has expressed his shock at being announced as the winner of Melbourne Heart FC-s ‘Name the Team- competition.
The Heart was overwhelmed by the response to the naming competition, processing thousands of applications as it selected the finalists, each recognised for their ingenuity, longevity and relevance to Victoria.
But ultimately it was Cafun-s suggestion which resonated greatest with the public and the Heart-s key stakeholders, highlighting a grassroots focus and ongoing ambition to develop into the people-s club.
Cafun, who will receive a family membership and merchandise pack as a prize, revealed he was amazed when informed he was the winner of the competition, saying the success was unexpected.
“From the word go, the team was named Melbourne Heart just to get the name out there, so (I thought) why change the name?” he said.
“I was stunned as I didn-t think they would choose it. I don-t know what to say as I didn-t think they would pick the actual name Melbourne Heart.”
As part of his reward for winning the competition, Cafun was invited to a conduct a photo shoot with Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip, where he was able to have a chat with the former Ajax star and veteran of two European Championships and 1990 World Cup.
“Meeting van ‘t Schip, I was speechless. I have been playing soccer since I was three and just to be around somebody who has played in the top flight (made me) speechless.
Having played since the age of three, football has always played a large role in Cafun-s life, leading the Moorabbin resident to take a keen interest in the Hyundai A-League.
“My dad was an ex-professional in South Africa, so soccer has always been a big part of our family life. The sport is important to me and I love it,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Herald Sun.
