The big match-up of the weekend features the battle of the first-year head coaches, pitting Blacktown's Aytek Genc against Olympic's Pat Marando.

Genc, former Sydney FC assistant coach and last year's Sydney Olympic first grade coach, has returned to the new look Blacktown City FC where he is looking for success with a familiar squad of names he has brought over from Olympic. 

Returning to Belmore are former Olympic players Adam Biddle, Jordan Simpson, Mirko Juril and Tolgay Ozbey. Add to that the likes of Zac Cairncross and Mitchell Long and Genc has put a handy squad together.

Many tout him as a future A-League coach and his success in the NSW Premier League with Blacktown could play a role in him stepping up to the next level.

Pat Marando has landed his first role as a First Grade coach with Sydney Olympic after Genc's departure. The ex-Marconi Stallions hardman was renowned for his tough tackling and no-nonsense approach in his playing days – will he be the same as a coach?

In first few games as coach, he knocked off last year's champions Sutherland, lost to Sydney United to an unlucky penalty and was happy with a hard fought draw away to Bankstown last weekend.

Pat has put a very solid and talented squad together with the likes of Chris Triantis, Mathew Mayora, Anthony Doumanis, Emmaneul Giannaros and Jerry Kolouris all boasting A-League or NSL experience. With two tough nuts Andre Gumprecht and Phil Makrys in the middle of the park, Marando's Olympic are looking like a top 5 side.

The match will kick-off this 6pm this Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground and the club is anticipating the largest crowd of the season. 

The newly-formed fan group 'Olympic Ultras' will be behind the southern end side of Belmore Sports Ground once again, cheering the home side on. Olympic 'Ultra' Peter Solz believes "A large home crowd is on the cards with this derby, and it is great to see young fans behind the goals again, anyone wanting to be chanting for 90 minutes European style for our club see you on Sunday."

OTHER MATCHES THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, 7:00 PM, Bonnyrigg White Eagles vs Sutherland Sharks, Bonnyrigg Sports Club

Saturday, 7:30 PM, Marconi Stallions vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Marconi Stadium

Sunday, 5:00 PM, Rockdale City Suns vs Manly United FC, Bicenntenial Park South

Sunday, 6:00 PM, Sydney Olympic vs Blacktown City FC, Belmore Sports Ground

Sunday, 6:00 PM, West Sydney Berries vs Bankstown City, Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre

Sunday, 6:00 PM, Sydney United vs South Coast Wolves, Sydney United Sports Centre

WORDS: SPIRO MAVRIDIS