The ex-Clifton Hill assistant, who played division one in Serbia and Poland before migrating to Australia, has been appointed senior coach at Trekardo Park for the next 12 months.

It is Cohadzic’s first senior coaching role at Football Federation Victoria state league two level following assistant coaching positions at Springvale White Eagles and Clifton Hill.

He is also regional head coach with Victorian Champions League junior club Eastern FC this summer season. 

Cohadzic said he had seen the Haymes Red Devils play previously and the prospect of coaching a young, enthusiastic squad was something he was particularly excited about.

“One of the most important things about this team is that it is quite young, with enthusiastic players who want to learn and develop,” Cohadzic said.

“I think we can really achieve some success in 2013 with this squad of players.”

In a playing career that included stints at Radnicki Nis and Widzew Lodz, in Serbia and Poland respectively, as well as Heidelberg in the now defunct NSL, Cohadzic concluded his playing career in the Victorian Premier League with Springvale White Eagles and Preston Lions.

This was followed by spells in FFV state league one and state league two.

He fills the void left by former Ireland international Brian Shelley, who resigned at the end of this season.

Red Devils president Jamie Winton said Cohadzic would be a good fit at Ballarat as it strives to climb out of FFV state league two next year into state league one.

“It is not every day we get a person to Ballarat who has achieved so much in their sporting career,” Winton said.

“Sinisa has played at the highest level and is also extremely well credentialed as a coach.

“His coaching and past playing experience will be of real benefit to our local players.”

Cohadzic is in the process of completing his Football Federation Australia A-licence.

gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au