Australian defender Hassan Ramazani has described winning the Australia Cup with South Melbourne FC as a dream come true, while expressing his determination to return to Vanuatu United and help the club challenge for the OFC Pro League title in 2027. Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center, the 25-year-old reflected on a remarkable year that saw him experience professional football in the Pacific Islands before becoming part of one of the biggest achievements in Australian domestic football.
South Melbourne made history on Saturday, 10 October, becoming the first club from outside the A-League to win the Australia Cup. The Victorian side defeated Melbourne Victory 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at AAMI Park, with Ramazani entering the final in the 83rd minute. The defender had also played an important role in the club’s journey to the final, providing the assist for Bul Juach’s second goal in the 3-1 semifinal victory over Lions FC.
For Ramazani, who joined South Melbourne on loan from Vanuatu United in July, lifting the trophy represented the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“Growing up, I always dreamt of winning major trophies, and to have actually done that feels unreal. To participate in the Australia Cup final was already a proud moment for me, but to go on and win it, as well as be part of history, makes it that much more special,” he told OFCe.
Before returning to Australian domestic football, Ramazani had established himself as one of Vanuatu United’s most consistent performers during the inaugural OFC Pro League season. His performances earned him selection in the competition’s Team of the Season and attracted the attention of South Melbourne, the club that had eliminated Vanuatu United with a 4-0 victory in the semifinals.
The experience was particularly meaningful for the former Brisbane Roar defender, who described his time in Vanuatu as his first opportunity to play as a full-time professional footballer.
“My first season with Vanuatu United FC was incredible. It was a special time for me personally, playing as a full-time professional footballer for the first time in my career. We fell short in the semifinals, but it was still a great achievement for the club and country, and something we should be proud of,” he explained.
“I got the opportunity to join South Melbourne FC, a club with great history that knows how to win. Learning from them has been an eye-opener, especially after winning the Australia Cup.”
Despite his success in Australia, Ramazani remains committed to Vanuatu United and is looking forward to his second campaign with the club. He believes the encouragement received from supporters throughout the inaugural season can become an important motivation as the team attempts to improve on its semifinal appearance.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Vanuatu for my second season to join a talented group. Inspiration comes from our Vanuatu fanbase around Oceania and possibly around the world. They support us week in, week out, and to bring home a trophy for them would be incredible. I hope we can do that this OFC season,” he said.
Having experienced both Australian football and the emerging professional environment in the Pacific, Ramazani also offered his perspective on the technical differences between the two regions. While acknowledging that a considerable gap currently exists, he believes it is largely connected to the resources and opportunities available to players rather than an absence of talent.
“At the moment, the gap in technical quality is large, but a lot of factors contribute to that. There is no doubt that there are talented players in the Pacific Islands. The difference is that Australia has better facilities, coaches from different parts of the world and many football clubs that train three to five days a week,” he explained.
“If these things are implemented in the Pacific Islands, the gap will start to close bit by bit, and the technical quality will improve.”
His assessment comes from a player who has experienced the NPL system and A-League football before joining the first professional league involving clubs from across Oceania. Ramazani also believes South Melbourne’s Australia Cup victory demonstrates that the quality available outside Australia’s top division should not be underestimated.
“There are NPL clubs with so many talented players who are able to compete at the highest level. That’s been proven by the number of cup upsets that have happened, not just this year but in previous years as well. From lower-division clubs making it to Australia Cup finals to eventually seeing a club like South Melbourne FC winning it, the quality is definitely there and will continue to improve,” he said.
When discussing what the OFC Pro League needs to become a stronger competition in 2027, Ramazani preferred to emphasise the importance of gradual development rather than identifying immediate changes. For the Australian defender, the first season has already demonstrated the competition’s potential to provide professional opportunities and greater exposure for players.
“It’s hard to say right now because the league is still in its beginning stages. I believe the first season was a success, and it gave players such as myself and others opportunities to be seen. I’m sure that as the league continues year by year, we’ll be able to identify what we can improve, and I’m confident it will,” he concluded.
Ramazani’s journey from Vanuatu United to an Australia Cup winner provides a practical example of the opportunities created by the OFC Pro League beyond the competition itself. His performances in Oceania opened the door to South Melbourne, where he gained experience and helped the club secure a major national trophy. Now, with his return to Vanuatu United planned for 2027, he hopes to take that experience back to the Pacific and contribute to the club’s pursuit of its first professional title.
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