South Melbourne FC would like to confirm the appointment of Sasa Kolman as Under 20 Manager for the remainder of the 2014 National Premier League Victoria season, replacing Matthew Maslak immediately in preparation for this week’s match against Werribee.
Kolman joined the club earlier this year following a highly successful playing and coaching record throughout Europe, with the former hard central defender playing professional football throughout Slovenia and Spain for the large part of his career.
His coaching career also spans throughout Slovenia, where although playing football, he also coached junior players wherever he played as a professional, including home club NK Tolmin.
2013 was a breakout year for the young coach, where he was senior coach of FC Suduroy in the Faroe Islands. It was with this role and his involvement in the Celtic Academy in Scotland that Sasa was regarded as the best young manager of those divisions.
In 2014 he joined the South Melbourne Youth Program and is currently coaching the Under 15 side in the National Premier League. Due to impressing Senior Coach Chris Taylor, he has also been involved with training and coaching the senior side over the past few months.
SMFC Football Director Andrew Mesorouni speaking to smfc.com.au, said “we are delighted to have Sasa working with the U20 side and believe that his past experience as both a footballer and coach will assist with the development and mentoring of the young squad”.
Sasa is best known for his ability to communicate with young men and footballers and with his Bachelor of Sport background, he intends to provide not only a coach but a mentor for the Under 20 side.
The club would also like to thank Matthew Maslak for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best moving forward.