Sinisa Cohadzic

AFC PRO/UEFA A Licence Men Head Coach South Melbourne FC, OFC PRO LEAGUE

[Sinisa Cohadzic @sikic10]

The last couple of days has been one of the most difficult periods of my coaching career, but throughout it all, one thing never changed, my love for this club and, most importantly, my players and my coaching staff.

From day one, I have believed in this group.

The commitment, character, and unity they show every day are the reasons I am so passionate about coaching South Melbourne FC.

They have handled a challenging situation with professionalism and maturity, and I couldn't be prouder of them.

I also want to thank our supporters. The messages, encouragement, and loyalty shown over the past week have been overwhelming.
Your passion is what makes this club special, and it never goes unnoticed.

I would also like to acknowledge the Board for engaging in open and honest discussions. While there were matters that needed to be addressed, we were able to work through them respectfully and find a solution that allows us to move forward together with a shared vision for the future of this football club.

South Melbourne FC is bigger than any one person. It is built on its people, the players, supporters, members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who contributes to this great club.

My focus now is exactly where it has always been, supporting my players, working hard every day, and doing everything possible to help this club achieve the success it deserves.

I'm proud to be back, proud to lead this group, and excited for what lies ahead.

Now let's move forward together as one club.

[South Melbourne FC @smfc]

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗱𝘇𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

South Melbourne FC confirms that Sinisa Cohadzic has been reinstated as Senior Men’s Head Coach.

While the decision to part ways with Cohadzic last week came as a surprise to some, it created an opportunity for both parties to openly address and resolve a number of important matters.

Those discussions were conducted with honesty and professionalism, producing a renewed alignment on the direction of the club with a clear pathway forward for all.

South Melbourne FC and Cohadzic remain united in their shared ambition and commitment to the continued success of the club, the welfare of our players, the love of our fans and the support of our sponsors.

The Club’s focus is now squarely on the season ahead and the standards we demand of ourselves on and off the pitch and that we move forward as one club, fully focused on the season ahead.

Bill Papastergiadis & Andrew Mesourouni, Club Co-Presidents, South Melbourne FC:

"The Board made a decision that resulted in both parties openly addressing and resolving a number of issues which have now led to a renewed alignment and a clear pathway forward for all.

"Now we ask our South Melbourne family to get behind the team, fill the stadium and show the world why this club is like no other.”

Sinisa Cohadzic, Senior Head Coach:
"I love this club. I always have. These past few days have been difficult, but what matters is that we move forward together as one club. I'd like to thank the board for working through all the issues and now i'm ready to get back to work."

— End of Statement —

[Sinisa Cohadzic @sikic10]

To South Melbourne Supporters and the Football Community,

In light of recent events and my release from head coaching duties, I want to make one thing absolutely clear to all supporters, followers, and members of our football community.

No player's status, actions, or circumstances were the reason for my departure.

The players have always been my highest priority, and they deserve to be protected and supported during this time.

They have worked hard, shown commitment, and should not be subjected to speculation or blame regarding decisions that have been made.

This situation has come as a shock not only to me, but also to many of the players.

They are processing these events in their own way, and their mental health and wellbeing must be respected and protected. I ask everyone to be mindful of the impact that rumours, assumptions, and public commentary can have on young people who are simply trying to continue doing what they love.

Going forward, I would appreciate all of my players being treated with respect, both on and off the field, during this time. They should be allowed the space to focus on their football, their friendships, and their wellbeing without unnecessary scrutiny or speculation.

I am proud of every player I have had the privilege to coach and mentor. My focus remains on their wellbeing, development, and future success both on and off the field.

I thank everyone who has supported me throughout my time as head coach and wish the players all the very best moving forward.

Respectfully,

Sinisa Cohadzic

[Sinisa Cohadzic @sikic10]

"There are moments in life where reality surpasses even the most beautiful dreams."

That is exactly what I experienced over the past 12 months when I was brave enough to take on a challenge at a time when relegation was a very real possibility.

What followed exceeded anything I could have imagined. In such a short space of time, we achieved a remarkable turnaround of winning a historic 10th Dockerty Cup, securing an inaugural Championship, and reaching the Grand Final of the prestigious inaugural OFC Professional League.

I hold my head high with immense pride in what I have achieved and the success I was able to deliver.

I poured my heart, commitment, and sacrifice into this journey every single day. From the moment I accepted the challenge, my focus was on transforming belief into results and helping build a team capable of competing for and winning trophies.

Taking the risk to implement an intense, attacking style of football required courage, commitment, and belief from everyone involved. Together, we transformed a team fighting for survival into one competing for and winning major honours while playing a brand of football that inspired people and created lasting memories.

Throughout this journey, I always sought to conduct myself with respect, humility, and professionalism. Whether dealing with opposition coaches, players, match officials, the media, or supporters, I remained committed to representing my values and the game in the right way.

To my coaching staff, thank you for your loyalty, professionalism, friendship, and countless hours of hard work. Every success we shared was built on your dedication and unwavering support.

To the players, thank you for believing in the vision, embracing the challenge, and giving everything for one another. You were the driving force behind every achievement and it was a privilege to lead such a committed group.

To the supporters, thank you for your passion, belief, and incredible support throughout the journey. You embraced our style of football and helped create an atmosphere that made every achievement even more special.

While this chapter has come to an end, the memories, relationships, and achievements will remain with me forever. I leave with immense gratitude, knowing that together we achieved far more than many thought possible.

Thank you.

[Zed Mihajlovic #Miha @ZedStar5]

Congratulations to @smfc & to Head Coach @sikic10 #SinisaCohadzic who has transformed this club after taking over midseason in 2025 & saving them from relegation, then going on to win both the Dockerty Cup, The Australian Championship & finishing Runners Up in the OFC Pro League!

[South Melbourne FC @smfc]

Some incredible words from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, specifically recognising our club’s participation in the OFC Pro League, the impact being made across Oceania and our recent Australian Championship triumph, where we were not only a foundation club, but the inaugural champions.

But beyond results, we want to be leaders of football in this country. To see the FIFA executive recognise the direction of our club, the ambition behind what we are building and the impact we are making across the region is something we are incredibly excited about.

From domestic success to representing our badge internationally, this football club continues to push forward on every front.

The club is going places, and we want you on that journey with us.

[Sinisa Cohadzic @sikic10]

Honoured and privileged to be part of the inaugural Australian Championship and OFC Pro League

Lamdmark moment that will help shape the future of football development across Australia and Oceania.

Very Proud to be able to coach and lead South Melbourne FC in both finals during such a significant chapter for the game in our region.

This is more than competition; it’s about creating pathways, inspiring the next generation, and elevating the game to new heights throughout Australia and Oceania.

Proud to stand alongside those driving the vision, passion, and growth of football forward.

[Football Australia @FootballAUS]

The full address from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the twenty-third Annual General Meeting of Football Australia 🗣️

[Australian Championship @AusChampionship]

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses the launch of the #AusChampionship at today’s Football Australia AGM 👀

“A highlight of the Australian football calendar, helping to take giant leaps in reuniting old soccer and new football.” ❤️⚽️

[Sinisa Cohadzic @sikic10]

Not the ending we wanted, but I’m incredibly proud of this group, my coaching staff, and medical team, and everything we have achieved together over the past 12 months since I took charge.

To reach the Grand Final of the inaugural OFC Pro League and win 2 out of 3 trophies is a remarkable effort from everyone involved.

Over the past 18 weeks, this group has played 33 games while travelling continuously for the last 5 months.

The commitment, sacrifice and professionalism shown by the players and staff has been outstanding.

At a club as big and demanding as South Melbourne FC, the expectation is always to win trophies, and that is a responsibility we embrace every single day.

Unfortunately, we were not able to finish the final in the way we all hoped, but setbacks only fuel our hunger to improve and come back stronger.

To our supporters I want to say Thank you.

We have the best fans in the country, and your support on the day and throughout this journey never went unnoticed. You drove us forward every step of the way.

A special thank you to our Director, Peter Kokotis, Presidents Andrew Mesourouni and Bill Papastergiadis, and the entire board for their unwavering support, belief, and commitment in providing the resources needed for this club to continue competing for silverware.

This new chapter in professional football has built strong foundations, but the work does not stop here. Our pursuit of more trophies continues in the months ahead.

Together.

[Mike @smfcmike]

#OFCProLeague @SMFC Press Conference: 24/05/26

🎙️ @sikic10, @marco_jankovic

#GoSouth! 👊

🔵⚪️⚽️

#NPLMVIC #AusChampionship #SMHellas #SMFC #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #DockertyCup #ALeague #ALM #Socceroos #FIFA
https://t.co/sKhzZeSebw

[South Melbourne FC @smfc]

Our Senior Coach Sinisa Cohadzic spoke to the media today at Eden Park ahead of Sunday’s OFC Pro League Final.

A huge occasion for our football club, our players, staff and the entire Hellas fans as we prepare to represent South Melbourne in a final on the international stage.

[Highpress @Highpressau]

18 weeks. 33 games.
3 finals. 9 months.

This is what it means to @smfc as further history awaits in the OFC Pro League.

One more match.

Details: https://t.co/r2wLQKuasO

🎥 @OFCProLeague

[Highpress @Highpressau]

3 finals. 12 months.
The @smfc badge doesn’t chase history, it writes it.

NPL VIC. Australian Championship. OFC Pro League.
Every stage. Every challenge. Every time.

🏆 2 finals.
🏆 2 trophies.
👀 A third loading…

📸 shhmedia_/IG

[Mike @smfcmike]

#OFCProLeague @SMFC Press Conference: 20/05/26

🎙️ @sikic10, @tommyg1418

#GoSouth! 👊

🔵⚪️⚽️

#NPLMVIC #AusChampionship #SMHellas #SMFC #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #DockertyCup #ALeague #ALM #Socceroos #FIFA
https://t.co/jZpfOe6jzU

[South Melbourne FC @smfc]

𝐎𝐅𝐂 𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 ✅

We secure our third major final in 12 months, with a brace from Swibel and goals from Mikkola and Giannakopoulos

We will play the winner of South Island United vs Auckland FC at Eden Park this Sunday the 24th of May

📸 George Kou

[OFC Pro League @OFCProLeague]

And then there were four 😤

Be there THIS Wednesday as we decide who will contest the first ever OFC Pro League Final! 🤩🏆

#OFCProLeague

[OFC Pro League @OFCProLeague]

All roads lead to Glory 🏆

#OFCProLeague

[Mike @smfcmike]

#OFCProLeague @SMFC Press Conference: 09/05/26

🎙️ @sikic10, @JacobEliopoulos

#GoSouth! 👊

🔵⚪️⚽️

#NPLMVIC #AusChampionship #SMHellas #SMFC #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #DockertyCup #ALeague #ALM #Socceroos #FIFA
https://t.co/E53InfgYQ8

[Mike @smfcmike]

#OFCProLeague @SMFC Press Conference: 06/05/26

🎙️ @sikic10, @sebpasquali

#GoSouth! 👊

🔵⚪️⚽️

#NPLMVIC #AusChampionship #SMHellas #SMFC #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #DockertyCup #ALeague #ALM #Socceroos #FIFA
https://t.co/KtRA3CEWlA

[OFC Pro League @OFCProLeague]

Crunch time has arrived in the OFC Pro League, as all eight clubs descend back upon New Zealand for the conclusion of Oceania’s first professional football competition! 🏆⚽️

Read the full article on our website 📖

#OFCProLeague

[OFC Pro League @OFCProLeague]

Ahead of Round 6 kicking off next Wednesday in Auckland, we’ve spoken to the coaches to reveal how they’re feeling ahead of the second phase of the competition 🤝

Read more 📲 https://t.co/JcZjjy9JDx

#OFCProLeague

[South Melbourne FC @smfc]

FULL TIME | Hellas with a massive win on the road.

Goals from Swibel, Bonada, Eliopoulos and Leech sealed a huge Friday night result against Dinamo, as we maintain top spot on the table.

📸 Leanee Smith