Aytek Genç

NSL Career: Marconi, Melita/Parramatta Eagles, Sydney United 182 (25) / 1985 - 2001/02

Socceroos Career: 3 (1) A Internationals / 1 (0) B Internationals

The Turkish-born playmaker was one of the most talented midfielders in the NSL during the 1990s after making his name in the New South Wales State League early in his career. A supremely skilful attacking midfielder, Genç left defenders in his wake when dribbling towards goal.

Born in Turkey, Genç moved to Australia at the age of four and began his junior career at Merrylands. Genç later joined Bankstown and made the first grade at 17 years of age before joining Marconi's U-19 team in 1985. Genç made his NSL debut at the age of 19 in a solitary appearance for the first team before leaving Marconi to join Uruguay Auburn in the NSW Division One, seeking regular first team action. Genç became a regular in the side as they amalgamated with former NSL club Penrith City to become Uruguay Penrith in the 1987 season. 

The talented playmaker became one of the star players in the competition and joined Melita for the 1989 season where he won the Division One Championship as Melita earned promotion to the NSL for the first time since 1984. Genç spent four seasons in the NSL with the club - helping them reach the NSL Finals Series twice and played in two NSL Cup Finals (won the 1990/91 edition). Genç made his full international debut against New Zealand in 1991 and made another two international appearances while playing for Parramatta (formerly Melita), including a B international against Italian giants AC Milan.

While at Parramatta, Genç was set for a move to Turkish Süper Lig club Trabzonspor, but lost the opportunity through injury and later signed for Malaysian side Johor in 1994 for a $30,000 transfer fee. Genç played for Johor in the 1994 and 1995 Liga Perdana seasons before returning to the NSL with Sydney United for the 1995/96 season. Over the next two years, Genç played for United and Johor between seasons and helped United reach the 1996/97 NSL Grand Final, in which they lost two-nil to Brisbane Strikers. 

Genç remained with Johor for the 1997 and 1998 seasons, with the intention of extending his contract, but returned to Australia when the Malaysian league dealt with financial setbacks and rejoined Sydney United for the 1999/00 season. The experienced midfielder returned to United as the club went through it's worst period in the NSL, finishing last at the end of the season before becoming captain for the 2000/01 season. The veteran midfielder decided to hang up his boots at the end of the 2001/02 season at the age of 32 before going on to hold a number of coaching and management roles in New South Wales.