Newly appointed Sydney FC Interim Ninja A-League Women’s Head Coach James Slaveski says it is both an honour and a privilege to step into the role, as he prepares to lead the Sky Blues for the first time against Brisbane Roar tonight.
Slaveski, who takes charge immediately, arrives with extensive experience across the women’s game and a deep connection to the club’s pathway.
“It’s an honour — a privilege,” Slaveski said.
“This is the biggest club in the country, largely because of the success that’s been achieved here.”
He paid tribute to his predecessor Ante Juric and the legacy left behind.
“Ante deserves a lot of credit. He’s left a hell of a legacy to take over from, along with his staff and the work they’ve done.”
“For me, this is an opportunity I’m really looking forward to, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Keeping it simple, building belief
With limited time before his first match, Slaveski is focused on clarity and confidence rather than wholesale change.
“I’m not a magician — I’m not going to change everything in one day,” he said.
“There are a lot of really good things already in place, particularly defensively and in our competitiveness and relentlessness.”
While he acknowledges improvement is needed with the ball, his immediate priority is belief.
“Confidence might be perceived as a little bit low, but in my opinion, we have a really strong squad with really good footballers,” Slaveski said.
“That belief is the most important thing right now.”
A squad capable of challenging
Slaveski is adamant the squad is stronger than its current position suggests.
“There’s no hiding from the fact that we’ve got a squad good enough to challenge for this league,” he said.
“We’ve got depth, we’ve got variety in age, some really exciting young players and experienced players as well.”
“My message to them is simple — we can make a real push here and put ourselves in a position to play finals football.”
Experience across the women’s game
Slaveski brings experience from the Matildas program, including working under Joe Montemurro in the Senior Matildas, along with success at Under-23 international level.
“Coaching is coaching,” he said.
“The principles are the same — 11 players, one ball, two goals.”
“Every environment I’ve been in has shaped me. Working with Joe has been invaluable — he’s been a mentor of mine and someone I lean on a lot.”
He also pointed to last year’s Under-23 tournament win in Vietnam as a key moment in his own development.
“That experience gave me belief that I was ready to make this next step.”
A strong connection to the pathway
Slaveski’s familiarity with Sydney FC’s young talent is a major strength, having worked with many players during their development years.
“A lot of these girls were part of our first female development intake,” he said.
“They’re incredibly talented and there’s still a lot more they can give.”
“They are the future of this football club. Our job is to push from within and help them compete, perform and win trophies for Sydney FC.”
A Sydney FC identity
Asked what fans can expect from a Slaveski-led side, the new coach pointed to the club’s DNA.
“In an ideal world, we’re a team that’s creative, relentless, dominant and competitive,” he said.
“We don’t just want to win — we want to win in a certain way.”
“With flair, with class, with a bit of healthy arrogance. A team that reflects the city.”
Excitement meets opportunity
Despite the whirlwind nature of the appointment — including welcoming his second child this week — Slaveski says he feels ready.
“Excitement and nerves are the same thing — it’s how you perceive them,” he said.
“I’m confident, I’m ready to go, and I’m excited to get started.”
No limits on what’s possible
With several matches remaining, Slaveski refuses to place a ceiling on the season.
“I don’t really set limits,” he said.
“There are 21 points left to play for, and we have an expectation to win every game starting tonight.”
“The fans expect that too, and we’re going to need them.”
“This season isn’t over. We’re a really talented group, and the sky’s the limit for us.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Ninja A-League Round 9
Wednesday 4th February 2026
Leichhardt Oval
Kick Off: 7:30pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:30pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
