The Central Coast Mariners are pleased to announce that Abbas Saad has been appointed as the club’s new NPL Men’s 1st grade coach.
An experienced and accomplished player and coach, the ex-Socceroo joins the Mariners with a wealth of knowledge and achievements.
Since transitioning from a player to coach following a career that saw him win numerous titles around the globe including the National Soccer League with three different clubs, the Australian representative has established himself as a top coach.
Leading sides both overseas and in Australia, Saad has already won the NPL NSW competition as a head coach. He led Sydney Olympic to the double in 2018, being awarded the competitions coach of the year award in the process.
After departing the side in 2021 he most recently led Bonnyrigg White Eagles, before joining up with the Mariners.
The UEFA Pro coaching licence holder will be working closely with Lucas Vilela, who will take over as the under 20’s coach. The duo set the task of leading the two squads for the season, looking to achieve success for the rest of 2023.
Saad joins the club after the Mariners worked through a strenuous hiring process involving head coach Nick Montgomery and head of recruitment Matt Simon. The duo receiving numerous applications from many top coaches, with applicants worldwide showing interest in the role.
The former Socceroo excited to be joining the Central Coast Mariners, ready to contribute to what he sees as the best set up in Australia for nurturing and developing young footballing talent.
“I’m really excited to be joining a club like the Mariners. The family atmosphere that the Central Coast Mariners have here is absolutely superb,” Saad said.
“I think that it is the perfect place for any young footballer to improve and develop and I think it is the best club in Australia to come through. Hopefully my experiences as a player can rub off on the youngsters here, I will teach them the ropes and what makes success.”
Our new NPL coach aiming high for this season, already setting targets for the rest of the 2023 campaign.
“First and foremost, we want to stay in NPL1, this is the biggest priority. Obviously, my vision and my expectations are a lot higher than that so I would love to finish in the top six if we can,” he said.
“If we can even finish in the top eight with the way we have started the season that would be a great achievement.”
Saad will take charge of the Mariners NPL side for today’s clash against competition heavyweights Blacktown City at Pluim Park, ready to hit the ground running.
