Sport
Whittlesea Zebras secure star
Laura Jolly
10Jun08
THE Whittlesea Zebras have pulled off a major signing coup, with former Melbourne Victory defender Daniel Piorkowski joining the Zebras as they attempt to turn around their Victorian Premier League season.
Last month, Piorkowski announced he would not renew his contract with the Melbourne Victory and would head to Europe in the hopes of securing an overseas contract.
To remain match-fit before he travels overseas for trials, the 24-year-old has agreed to play for Whittlesea.
He lined up in the Zebras' back four for the first time against the Preston Lions in Round 15, and again in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Green Gully.
While it was not certain how many games Piorkowski would play, Whittlesea coach Ivan Jolic said the club was excited at the addition to their squad.
"The European season is in recess at the moment so we are hoping to have him at least until July.
"We'll see how it goes after that but we certainly won't stand in the way of him pursuing his dream overseas. We will do everything we can to support him."
A former member of the Melbourne Knights and part of the Victory's A-League championship winning team in 2007, Piorkowski spent much of last season sidelined due to injury.
Jolic said the whole squad would benefit from Piorkowski's experience.
"The players are very excited at the prospect of having an A-League player with us.
"We certainly think he will be a valuable addition to the team.
"When I joined the club I had a strict policy that I would not bolster the squad unless it was someone above and beyond what we already have.
"So Daniel will be the only new signing for the rest of the season."
The Zebras are looking to lift themselves up the VPL ladder after the shock departure of coach Peter Ollerton last month.
