South Melbourne FC can confirm that Sinisa Cohadzic has stepped down as Senior Head Coach ahead of the Australian Championship.
Sinisa has made a significant contribution to South Melbourne both on and off the field over a number of years, playing an important role in one of the club’s most successful recent periods.
His time as Senior Head Coach culminated in one of the greatest nights in South Melbourne’s history on Saturday, guiding Hellas to the Australia Cup title with a penalty shootout victory over Melbourne Victory in the final at AAMI Park.
It was a triumph that meant far more than silverware. For generations of South Melbourne supporters, it marked a historic return to the biggest stage in Australian football and a moment of celebration for the entire Hellas community. Sinisa’s role in delivering that achievement will forever be part of our club’s story.
Under his leadership, South Melbourne also secured the Australian Championship and Dockerty Cup, while representing the club with distinction on the international stage, including reaching the OFC Pro League Final.
Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis paid tribute to Sinisa’s contribution:
“My journey with Sinisa began in 2019 when I appointed him as Technical Director of our club. He told me he wanted to leave his blueprint at South Melbourne and help us transform the football department. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that journey would culminate in what we experienced on Saturday.
“To win the Australia Cup against Melbourne Victory in the final, and to see what that meant to our people, is something we will remember for the rest of our lives. Sinisa has helped give this club and its supporters a moment that will live forever in our history.
“He leaves as a legend of this club. In just 18 months as Senior Head Coach, he has won four trophies, including two national titles.
“I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his work and passion. He will always be welcomed as a Hellas great whenever he steps into our club.”
Co-Presidents Bill Papastergiadis and Andrew Mesourouni, together with the Board, players, staff and wider South Melbourne family, thank Sinisa for his professionalism, commitment and dedication, and wish him and his family every success in the future.
Former NSL player and current senior coach Sam Poutakidis will assume Senior Head Coach duties for this weekend’s Australian Championship opener away to Sutherland Sharks.
Our focus now turns to the Australian Championship and achieving the ambitious objectives we have set for South Melbourne Football Club.
