Percevski, who hails from the Sydney suburb of Cecil Hills, came through Western Sydney Wanderers’ academy and Westfield Sports High School’s football program. This July, the defender signed for Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Under-19s in Germany.
Percevksi has represented Macedonia, who he is eligible for through his grandparents, for several years at junior international level and next week will travel to England to play friendlies in preparation for the upcoming European qualifiers.
“It was 2015 when I was asked to represent the Macedonian national team,” Percevski told The World Game.
“I spoke about it with my family and decided to proceed and play for Macedonia. My first-ever national team game was the qualification round for the elite Under-17 Euros where we played Serbia, Italy and Albania.
“It was a big step for me playing 90 minutes in every game against quality opponents. To me, it is an honour to represent Macedonia as this is my heritage and where my grandparents grew up. I enjoy every single minute of it.”
Percevski has received advice from A-League star Daniel Georgievski, the Australian fullback who played for the European country at Under-19 and Under-21 level, and earned 22 caps for the Red Lynxes at senior level.
“At the time I was asked to represent the Macedonian team, I was young, only just turning 17,” he said.
“I received a lot of interest from many clubs and was unsure which path to take. I am very thankful for Daniel Georgievski from Newcastle Jets for mentoring me at the time and helping me choose the best decision for myself.”
The centre-back has never been selected by the Joeys or Young Socceroos, or had any contact from Football Federation Australia.
Despite this, he has not closed the door completely on representing Australia if the opportunity arose in the future, and will keep his options open.
“I’m very grateful for what the Football Federation of Macedonia has done for me and I am very happy at the moment with my place in the squad,” Percevski said.
“If Football Federation of Australia approached me, it is something I will consider and have a serious think about, including speaking with relevant people, and family to discuss what would be the best option for me and my career.”
Fortuna Dusseldorf play in the Bundesliga after winning the second division last season.
Percevski is not the only Aussie currently on the 123-year-old German side’s books, with 20-year-old midfielder Josh Laws also part of the club.
18-year-old Percevski said he is chasing his dream by playing in Europe.
“I am very honoured to be playing in the biggest football country in the world and especially playing for such a historical club like Fortuna Dusseldorf,” he said.
“It is definitely a great short term achievement from all the hard work I have put in, both on and off the field. I am still young, ambitious and hopefully this is just the beginning of bigger and better achievements for me.
“The club has been very welcoming; treating me with warmth and care. Being here in Germany on my own is hard but has helped me to become mentally and physically stronger and learning to be fluent in German, I have the support from the club board and coaching staff are like family to me.
“I like the club’s style of playing football and it suits the way I play. It is a very well-structured club, with big ambitions and support not only for their first-team, but all the way down to the youth. We all have the same aspirations; that is to play good football, enjoy the game, work hard and of course win titles.”
Percevski spent several years with Western Sydney’s academy, playing for the National Youth League team and the Under-20s.
At the age of 16, he was part of the Under-20s squad and two years he helped the Wanderers win the NSW NPL 2 Under-18s grand final against Sydney FC.
He remains a Western Sydney fan and is appreciative of his time at the club.
“It was an incredible experience and the opportunities they gave me at such a young age was more than I could ask for,” he said.
“Ever since the Western Sydney Wanderers joined the A-League I attended every game with my brother and friends in the active support cheering on the Wanderers. So, for me the club itself holds a special place in my heart.
“It is not just a great football club, but the culture at the club is remarkable. I learnt so much from the older players.
“Of course leaving a club that you support isn’t easy and I am grateful for everything they have done for me, and the player they have made me today. Hopefully one day in the future I can come back and put that jersey back on.”
