There are not many players in Sussex County League Football with the experience of Mullets goalkeeper Maciek Kason.
Having surpassed over 500 appearances between the sticks for a variety of clubs, it is at Arundel where he continues to consistently produce match winning saves on a week by week basis.
Born in Poland, Maciek moved to the UK at 19 years old after terminating his contract with Polish fourth tier side Koszarawa Zywiec.
He has since gone on to become a stalwart of Sussex County League Football – dual signing with Bognor Regis Town, and going on to make an array of appearances between the sticks for East Preston, Wick, Ferring, Littlehampton Utd, Midhurst and Arundel.
“Looking back, coming over here was only ever supposed to have been a temporary option to find myself some work – but I have been here 18 years now.”
“I have a fiancé and a little girl here, and my mum comes over from Poland regularly to visit – it is very much home for us. I am very happy here.”
Last weekend the stopper wrote himself into Mullets folklore with another superb display between the sticks, with four excellent stops during a tense 90 mins – as well as the all important penalty save, which will live long in the memory of the Arundel faithful.
The victory takes The Mullets into the 2nd Round of The FA Vase for the first time in fifteen years.
“It was a massive game for everyone at the club, and I am really happy that I have helped the club to make a little bit if history.”
“We did really well, and it is the second time we have kept a clean sheet in the cup against higher league opposition.”
“We created some good chances, and could have nicked the game in normal time, but the lads worked hard and we got our reward at the end of the game.”
“It was just a really great experience overall, and something I will remember for a long time.”
“One thing I will say, is that the supporters were incredible and really made the difference on the day.”
“For people to come out and spend their time and hard earnt money supporting us is truly appreciated.”
“Each week we are seeing the crowds increase, and it is brilliant – I just hope we can repay the support come the end of the season.”
Having drawn Step 5 VCD Athletic away in the next round – a team who currently sit top of the Southern Counties East Football League (and previous step 3 contenders), Maciek is hopeful The Mullets can cause another upset on the road.
“It is another tough fixture on paper, but the team have showed that we are more than capable of competing with these types of clubs, and it is a challenge that we are all looking forward to.”
At the tender age of 37, you would forgive the shot stopper for thinking about hanging up the gloves – but pole has other ideas.
“I lost a few years of playing football because of knee injuries – so I am very much looking to make up for that lost time and play as long as I possibly can.”
“As long as I can still dive and get up quickly, and my body is allowing me to react to the game, then I will continue to play.”
“However, when that time comes – and it will, when I feel that my body is letting me down, and I can’t do things on a good level anymore, then I will walk away and concentrate on my coaching.”
So what is the secret for keeping nimble and turning out match winning performances on a week by week basis?
“My coaching academy helps me stay in good shape – I am involved with daily sessions and one on ones with that – I am also training with Bognor Regis which keeps me sharp.”
“I do a lot of things at home like stretching and recovery. After each game my living room resembles a physio room!”
One thing is for sure – The Maciek man is a fan favourite, and someone Mullets fans will be hoping to see between the sticks for a few more years yet.
