When VfL Bochum plays, his heart beats faster. He has many memories tied to the club. We’re talking about Stylianos Kokovas. The Greek player is in top form.

Stylianos Kokovas will be a familiar name to die-hard VfL Bochum fans. The Greek player competed for Bochum’s U17 and U19 teams. During the 2018–2019 season, he also played in six second-division matches for the team from Castroper Straße.

Kokovas has since gained some experience in the world of soccer. The former Greek U21 national team player currently plays for 1. FC Phönix Lübeck in the Regionalliga Nord.

The 24-year-old left back has already tallied eight points in 19 appearances and is among the best players in the North division. His contract expires at the end of the season.

We spoke with Kokovas about his time in Bochum, as well as his future.

Stylianos Kokovas, 19 games, six goals, and two assists: things are going very well for you at Phönix Lübeck. How do you feel up here in the far north?

I feel very comfortable in Lübeck. The city is very beautiful and offers plenty of recreational opportunities. The club has welcomed me wonderfully. And I can tell that I’m being trusted here. That helps enormously in maintaining consistent performance. In this line of work, you simply need trust and a good feeling.

And who knows: soccer is crazy. Maybe VfL will get in touch with me again. Bochum and Greeks—that’s a good match. A sirtaki “anne Castroper”—now that would be something.

Stylianos Kokovas

You once played six matches for VfL Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga as a young player. What’s happened since then? You’ve had quite a few stops along the way…

Since my first appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, I’ve experienced a lot and played for various clubs. I’ve played in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Each of those experiences has helped me grow as a player and as a person. I’ve learned to deal with pressure and setbacks—such as injuries—and to keep improving. Things like that only make you stronger.

Your contract in Lübeck expires next summer. According to our information, several third-division clubs are showing interest in you. Where do you see your future?

Right now, I’m fully focused on the season. We’ll see what happens this winter or next summer. Of course, it’s nice when clubs—whether from the 3. Liga or my home country of Greece—show interest. But first, I want to do my best here and score more goals. Then, together with my agent, we’ll decide what the next and right step is.

How closely do you actually still follow VfL Bochum?

I’m very grateful to VfL Bochum. That’s the club that was with me from the age of 16 to 20 and gave me the chance to take my first steps as a professional soccer player. I still follow the club regularly. I spent some important years there. I’ll be happy if things hopefully start going better soon, and I watch their games every now and then when time allows. And who knows—soccer is crazy. Maybe VfL will get in touch with me again. Bochum and Greeks—they go well together. A sirtaki “Castroper-style”—that would be the icing on the cake of my career.