Two-time Central Coast Mariners Champion Brian Kaltak has reflected on his special three-season stint in Gosford ahead of a rumoured move to Asia at the end of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
Kaltak had never played professional football before joining the Mariners in 2022 on an injury-replacement contract.
Three years later, the Vanuatu international is a two-time Champion. A key contributor to the Mariners’ historic treble in 2023-24 (AFC Cup, Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership and Championship), Kaltak has become a club great and fan favourite throughout his time in Gosford – but the 2024-25 season is likely to be his last at the Mariners, ahead of a rumoured move to Asia.
READ MORE: Mariners boss confirms Kaltak exit: ‘That’s what he wants to do, we have to respect that’
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Central Coast’s last game of a disappointing campaign took place on Friday night, as the Mariners hosted Brisbane Roar at Industree Group Stadium.
Before kick-off to the Round 29 clash, Kaltak was asked to reflect on his Mariners career to date.
“It’s been an amazing feeling, firstly, joining this club and what we’ve achieved in the last two seasons,” he told Network 10.
“Excitement, (is what) I would just say to describe the whole thing. The excitement of me getting to the league and playing in the A-League.
“It’s one of the things I’ll cherish in my heart.”
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News of Kaltak’s likely departure was revealed by Mariners head coach Jackson after his side’s 2-2 draw with Macarthur Bulls on April 20, admitting that Kaltak had “expressed a desire to move overseas to Asia” before the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
With his star defender’s one-season contract expiring, Jackson was quizzed once again about Kaltak’s before Firday night’s meeting with the Roar.
“Listen, if he moves on at the end of the year, which we probably expect him to do, then we wish him nothing but the best,” Jackson told Network 10.
“He’s a great player. But first and foremost, what a fantastic person as well. A really humble guy. I said at last year’s medal (Mariners Medal) dinner, I talked about his journey as a player… he’s had a really humble journey, an amazing journey where he’s only been a pro for – I think it’s his third year as a professional.
“But what a person, a fantastic player as well. And what he’s done for this football club over those seasons has been phenomenal.”
FINAL ROUND STAKES: How one game could decide $1.27m prize, 6th & Golden Boot
