Sydney FC has appointed James Slaveski as the club’s Ninja A-League Head Coach on a two-year contract.
Slaveski took charge of the final seven games of the Women’s 2025-26 season and has been rewarded after improving performances and implementing an expansive and dominant style of play.
Under his leadership, Sydney FC produced standout, season-best victories over semi-finalists Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, signalling a strong foundation for the future.
Sydney FC Chairman Dr. Jan Hendrik Voss believes Slaveski is the perfect choice to produce a title winning squad while developing talent from within.
“James did a great job stepping into the role at a challenging time in the season,” Voss said.
“He guided the team away from a difficult position by implementing a clear and effective style of play which the players believed in and responded to.
“His connection with the squad is clear to see, alongside his ability to adapt and improve performances quickly.
“James has come through our coaching system and we are committed to providing opportunities for growth from within our Academy and coaching pathways.
“His appointment is a great example of that philosophy in action.”
Slaveski’s role will become a permanent position which also oversees the Sky Blues’ Female Development Squad to align the club’s youth pathway to the A-League team.
“I’m extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead Sydney FC’s A-League Women’s team for the next two seasons,” he said.
“This is a club with incredibly high standards and expectations, and we should always be competing at the very top of the league and challenging for titles.
“What we built in those final weeks of the season was just the beginning and the players showed great belief in the style of football we want to play.
“I’m very passionate about working across the entire women’s program.
“Building strong connections from the Female Development Squad to the first team is critical to sustained success, and I’m excited to play a role in that.”
Slaveski will immediately begin preparations for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League Women’s season, including shaping his squad and identifying key additions as Sydney FC targets a return to the top of the competition.
