The Wellington Phoenix have jumped at the opportunity to add another proven winner to the men’s squad on the eve of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League.
The Phoenix have signed Australian forward Stefan Colakovski on a one-year deal 10 days out from their season opener against Western United at Sky Stadium.
Colakovski, 24, was a key member of the Melbourne City side that won the A-League championship in 2021 and he also won two premierships with City before spending the past two seasons at Perth Glory.
He is the third A-League champion in the Phoenix squad alongside multiple winners Kosta Barbarouses and Paulo Retre.
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano moved quickly to sign Colakovski after an opportunity for him in Europe didn’t come to fruition.
“It was good timing for us that Cola came back on to the market,” Italiano said. “We’ve always liked him and thought he’d be a good addition to the squad, so we’re happy we could make it work.
“Cola can do things that a lot of players can’t. He’s very effective, makes very good forward runs and gets in dangerous positions.
“Our job as a coaching staff is to refine his skillset, and we think we can get more out of him as well.
“We’re really looking forward to him showing us what he’s got.”
Colakovski will give Italiano a ready-made replacement for decorated forward Marco Rojas, who is expected to miss the start of the season with injury.
“We’re still going to build the team around Marco. We just felt it wasn’t fair to put the burden on our young guys straight away and expect them to bag a bunch of goals. We want to give them time and make these things occur naturally.
“The fact that Cola has a proven goalscoring record and has experience creating goals it gives us a bit more depth and another layer that otherwise we wouldn’t have.
“In saying that our pre-season friendlies have been really good for the young guys to see where they’re at. I think the mix with Cola coming in is going to give us a really interesting dynamic.”
Stefan Colakovski arrived in Wellington yesterday (Wednesday, October 9) and will train with his new teammates today.
“I’m keen to get started and play with some of the best players in the league like Barbarouses, Rojas, [Alex] Rufer and [Tim] Payne,” Colakovski said.
“Playing and scoring in front of all the Phoenix fans is something I can’t wait to do.
“It’s always tough playing for the away team coming to Wellington, but now I’m on their side it’s going to be fun.
“The Yellow Fever create a top atmosphere and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone ripping their shirts off in the 80th minute.
“And playing under Chiefy is something I’m very excited for. I think the way he wants the team to play suits me and I think his coaching along with the strength of the squad can lead to some really exciting things this season.”
Colakovski hopes to bring energy and goals to the Phoenix.
“I love to attack. I pride myself on being a creative player that has the ability to score goals.
“I love to combine with teammates and get behind the opposition’s defence as often as I can.
“I would say I’m someone who will do whatever it takes to win, and even if I’m having a quiet game, I know I just need that one moment to make a difference.
“I want to be a great teammate to everyone and be a part of a healthy culture within the club with a winning mindset.
“I’ve played in grand finals and I’ve won trophies in this league, so now it’s just about adding to that success with the Phoenix.”
Stefan Colakovski will wear the no. 11 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix this season and is the men’s 25th contracted player for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League.
