He was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation – now ex-Socceroo Zeljko Kalac wants to help nurture the next batch of Australia shot-stoppers after joining the Sydney FC coaching ranks.
He was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation – now ex-Socceroo Zeljko Kalac wants to help nurture the next batch of Australia shot-stoppers after joining the Sydney FC coaching ranks.
Capped 54 times by his country and with a football CV that includes stints at AC Milan, Leicester City and Roda JC, Kalac started work as Sydney’s goalkeeper coach on Tuesday and immediately outlined his plans.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” Kalac said.
“It’s a pleasure to come in and work for my club because I’m Sydney born and bred and Sydney FC is my team.”
“The facilities are great and I’m looking forward to working with the goalkeepers and the rest of the coaching staff.”
The man they call Spider has been working as a media analyst since retiring but has made no secret of his desire to coach.
He has completed his AFC C Licence Coaching qualification and is halfway through the B Licence.
Kalac is excited about the prospect of working with keepers at all levels.
“Hopefully I can use my knowledge and experience to transfer it across to the goalkeepers; not just the experienced A-League keepers I’ll be working with day-to-day but also the younger ones coming through,” he said.
Kalac’s appointment continues Sydney FC’s push to form stronger bonds with home grown ex-players.
CEO Dirk Melton said: “As a club, Sydney FC wants to make sure there is not only a pathway for young players who aspire to play professional football but also for former players to remain in the game and ensure there are career opportunities for those who have finished playing.”
“Zeljko fits that bill perfectly as he had a long and distinguished career as a player, he is a Sydney boy, he has already started the process of becoming a coach by getting his licences and he has a wealth of experience he can now pass onto our goalkeepers.”
