Nearchos Zenonos: “More mature and more ready for Apollon”

Nearchos Zenonos sees his hard work rewarded with a new contract and emphasizes that he is more prepared than ever to meet Apollon’s expectations.

The young player renewed his contract until 2027 and spoke to www.apollon.com.cy

Nearchos, congratulations on your new contract until 2027. What are your first feelings after signing?
I am very proud of myself. My hard work is paying off. I’ve been with Apollon since I was four years old and I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to play, to prove myself on the pitch, and to continue developing.

During this time you played on loan at Peyia (25 appearances) and Doxa (26 appearances). How much did these experiences help you grow as a footballer?
I feel more ready than before. Especially the Second Division is a tougher league, it helps you mature. Both teams helped me improve as a player.

What differences did you notice between the two seasons you played in the Second Division?
I don’t have experience yet from the First Division, but in the Second Division the spaces are tighter and the competition is tougher. In the First Division, the players are more quality-oriented, and it’s more difficult to compete.

Which aspects of your game did you improve the most through the games you played as a starter?
I learned to read the game better, I gained more confidence, and overall I believe I improved in every aspect.

Do you believe you are now more mature and ready to compete for a place at Apollon?
Yes. Especially last season helped me a lot. I feel more ready, and I can see it in myself.

You recorded more than 50 appearances at senior level in the past two years. In which positions did you play the most?
At Peyia I mainly played as a right-back, often moving inside towards the midfield, while last year at Doxa I played as a left-back, right-back, and usually as a defensive midfielder.

Who are the people that supported you the most so far?
The management and coaching staff of Apollon, who made the right decision to send me on loan so I could gain experience and come back more prepared, and of course my family who stood by me throughout this period. I want to thank them for their support and help.

While you were on loan and watching Apollon from afar, how did you experience the matches? Did you miss being part of the team?
Sometimes I missed games because they clashed with the matches of the teams I was playing for, but whenever I could, I followed Apollon. Of course, I missed being part of the team.

With your new contract until 2027, what are your personal and team goals?
I want to establish myself in the team, although there is still the possibility of going out on loan to another Cypriot club. I wouldn’t mind doing that again this season in order to have an active role and appearances at First Division level. I know there is interest, and I am waiting for the coaching staff’s decision. Whether I stay or go elsewhere, my goal is to play and fight for a place in the starting eleven. I feel improved and capable of responding to what the coach demands.

How important is the trust shown to you by the management and coaching staff?
This year I feel it even more. The two full seasons I had, along with my appearances for the National U21 team, gave me confidence and helped me earn trust within Apollon. I want to repay them on the pitch and make them proud.

What message would you like to send to Apollon fans?
To always stand by the team, in both good and difficult times. To be patient especially with the Cypriot players and to know that we give everything for the team because we feel it’s our own. Not to judge us harshly at the first opportunity. Of course, the pitch is the mirror and everyone is judged by their performance, but sometimes a little more patience is needed.