The man who grew up in Western Sydney and spent his playing career in the region is coming back to his roots for the 2024/25 season after a coaching career that has seen him travel the world and achieve big things in both the men’s and women’s game.
Now in charge of the Western Sydney Wanderers for the upcoming season, he is looking to harness his passion for the region into positive results for a young and exciting Red and Black side.
His playing career saw him represent many Sydney based clubs, including Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
After retirement he moved into coaching, firstly with the women’s game as he spent six years in the A-League Women, winning two Grand Finals.
His performances caught the attention of then Football Federation Australia, and in 2014 he was handed the top job at the Matildas in a time where talented stars were beginning to emerge.
He was one of their most successful coaches, leading them to their first ever knockout round win at the 2015 World Cup over Brazil and their equal best ever finish at the time
(Quarter Finalists).
Over the next five years he would lead the Matildas to their highest ever FIFA World Ranking, as well as leading them to a famous win over the USA, as he became praised for his ability to get the best out of his team no matter the players in the side.
This was seen in his next role at the Central Coast Mariners, where he took a team at the bottom of the A-League ladder and transformed them into a finals contender, full of young talent and players who were previously thought to be substandard at other teams.
This kept going at the Philippines women’s national team, where he led them to an Asian Cup semi-final – higher than Australia – and qualified for the country’s first ever World Cup.
His achievements didn’t stop there: in a side full of A-League Women’s talent, he guided them to their first ever victory at the tournament with a hard fought 1-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand, and whilst they didn’t reach the knockout phase, he will forever remain in Filipino football folklore.
It is clear why the Wanderers wanted him to lead them into a new era, as they look to elevate a clutch of talented young players into the first team side, alongside experienced campaigners and marquee signings.
Stajcic has achieved more with less on paper, and there is optimism he will be able to provide a nurturing yet competitive environment for the youngsters to flourish.
A clutch of signings from the NPL level suggests he is also looking to help unheralded players reach new heights, and if he can do so it could transform the Wanderers’ fortunes on the pitch after narrowly missing out on the finals last season in tough circumstances.
Above all, Stajcic as a local knows how much the Wanderers means to the region of the west, how it can combine such a diverse and multicultural area.
He knows the passion, fight, and desire the fans want to see, and there is no doubt that at the very least his side will fight to the very end and will fight tooth and nail to bring success and joy for the loyal fans of Western Sydney.
His first league game, a home Sydney Derby, will be a good litmus test for his new look team, but given his history at club and international level, Stajcic will not be phased about the cauldron of a Derby atmosphere.
He will look to use it as a springboard for a time of success at the Wanderers.
