After turning 31, Kostas left PAOK in 2000 for Kalamata, a much smaller club, then struggling for survival in the 1st Division. His tenure there was rather short, and although making a handful of appearances, he could not help the club stay in the first division. He left the next year for Ionikos, another mid-range club, also battling to avoid relegation.
After turning 31, Kostas left PAOK in 2000 for Kalamata, a smaller club facing relegation struggles in the 1st Division. His tenure there was short and unsuccessful, as he couldn't prevent them from staying in the division. He then moved to Ionikos, another mid-level team struggling against relegation the following year.