Port bolster playing and coaching roster

by Damir Kulas 0

Port Melbourne Sharks have welcomed former Northcote City coach Goran Lozanovski as an assistant coach to Eric Vassiliadis for the 2016 NPL season, while also announcing the signing of Bonel Obradovic from Lozanovski’s old employers as well.

Lozanovski links up with the Sharks after spending the last five seasons at Northcote City, where he spent the latter four as Head Coach after assisting Peter Tsolakis in 2011.

The highlight of his time at John Cain Memorial Reserve was winning the Championship-Premiership double in 2013.

The former Socceroo replaces the departing Florin Burhala and alongside Semi Sivic will assist Vassiliadis in 2016, lookING to improve on a disappointing 2015, where despite a promising start, the Sharks ultimately finished eighth on the ladder.

READ MORE > Sharks secure Karvelis for 2016 season

JL Murphy Reserve will be Lozanovski’s fifth port of call in the league after coaching spells with the Preston Lions, Hume City, Bentleigh Greens and lately Northcote City with the 41 year-old also claiming league honours with the Lions in 2007 in addition to his triumph with City in 2013.

Joining  the club is Bonel Obradovic, who featured for Lozanovski last term at Northcote following a mid-season transfer from South Melbourne.

The 26 year-old made his senior debut in 2007 with the Australian Institute of Sport (A.I.S) as they competed in the top-flight of Victorian football.

A stint in the Melbourne Victory Youth Team in the inaugural 2008-09 NYL season was followed up by four seasons at the Oakleigh Cannons, before a mid-season transfer in 2012 saw Obradovic link up with Lozanovski at Northcote.

The versatility who can play at either full-back or in central-midfielder was a vital component of City’s 2013 title-winning squad before a move back to the Cannons in 2014.

Obradovic joins James Karvelis and Jamie de Abreu as new additions at the club with 2015 NPL Gold Medallist Kamal Ibrahim being a notable departure for Eric Vassiliadis’ side.