From player to coach, Goran Ljoboja ready for SD Raiders challenge
It’s not often an individual goes straight from strapping up his boots, to the coaching dug out.
But that’s exactly what Football NSW League One Men’s club SD Raiders head coach Goran Ljuboja is preparing to do in 2022 and he plans to make his mark.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Football NSW caught up with Ljuboja to discuss both his playing career and the upcoming campaign.
Reflecting on his career on the field, Ljuboja told Football NSW. “Football has always been my passion and happy place and I have many wonderful memories and moments playing for various clubs at all NPL levels.
“Over the years, I was privileged and lucky enough to play with some unbelievably talented individuals and win a few trophies, championships, and national titles (especially in Futsal). Most importantly, through football I got to meet some of the most selfless, caring, generous, passionate, and hardworking people which I am privileged and honoured to call friends. I can truly say that I have been blessed and that the game has given me everything I hoped for, friendships and timeless life lessons and memories.”
Of all the clubs he played for, it’s SD Raiders which holds a special place for him.
“When I returned to the club in 2018, it was for my second stint. It was an easy decision because Nick’s vision and philosophy about football and what SD Raiders could be aligned with mine. In turn, I knew that we would be successful in the pursuit for promotion.”
And this is where his coaching journey began.
“In addition to returning to play, I also took on coaching responsibilities, initially with under 9s SAP and then with 18s, 20s and now first grade. So, I guess, coaching was always something I saw myself doing long term, especially since I was coaching Futsal teams for years.
“Having said that, being offered the first-grade job at SD Raiders for the 2022 season was a surprise. Nick and I spoke about my coaching ambitions, and I knew that they respected my knowledge of the game, the commitment to the club and work ethic, but you just don’t expect these things.
“To be given this opportunity is a huge honour and I cannot thank Nick and the SD Raiders enough for their support, and I’ll do all I can to repay the trust they have in me.”
But going straight from player to coach has had its own challenges. He continues, “The transition into taking on this pre-season as a head coach has had its challenges. If I am being totally honest, getting the squad together and navigating the player points, budgets and visa rules have been the most stressful parts of the job.”
“Covid has also played a huge part in our preparation and how we did things. But just like other coaches, players, and clubs, we had to learn to deal with it and work as efficiently as possible in the circumstances.”
“Despite the challenges, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the players better and being back on the park. In the recent weeks we have been lucky enough to have few more boys back in training, so the sessions have become more competitive and livelier which has brought excitement back to the changerooms.”
Speaking on what he expects in the upcoming season. Ljuboja said. “The main goal we have set for the playing group, the coaching staff and me is to try and be the best we can be, to focus and work on things we can control. We believe that if we can do that, we can have a very good season and the results will take care of themselves.”
“I think the league will be super competitive and there won’t be a weekend where you will watch a boring game. As such, I encourage everyone to support their local NPL teams and come down to the games. In my view, the top 4 race will be a close one and will go down to the wire.”
Ljuboja and his SD Raiders team bolstered by the acquisitions of Jordan Figon, Mark Cindric, Paul Katsetis, Cooper Hanagan, James Alcorn travel to Blacktown City Sports Centre to open their campaign against Hills United, March 12th.
-By Football NSW League One Chief Reporter Justin Smith
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