By JARROD POTTER
DANDENONG City junior girls’ coach Gülcan Koca certainly had her players’ attention this week as she showed off a highly coveted Australian soccer prize.
Koca, 23, from Cheltenham, was part of the Melbourne Victory’s W-League winning side – edging out an Australian Matildas-laden Brisbane Roar 2-0 last Sunday in the final at South Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium.
The Turkish international player – having represented her chosen country in 14 internationals since 2010 – could not believe it when the Victory earned the championship.
“It hasn’t really kicked in yet as last year just making the finals was absolutely insane, so the hype of it was so much greater this year,” Koca said.
“We weren’t happy with making the final this year – we wanted to rectify last year’s loss to Sydney.
“This year it wasn’t enough (just to make the grand final) – we expected to be in the finals from the start of the season and couldn’t settle for anything less… so it wasn’t much of a surprise.
“It’s an amazing feeling as there are so many good players and it actually justifies all the players we’ve brought in.”
Dandenong City’s sub-junior technical director Ljuban (Lewis) Palinic has been a great mentor for Koca with her coaching and in part inspired her to coach at the club.
“He (Palinic) has done an amazing job with the club so far and his passion for the junior development,” Koca said.
“I wanted to be a part of that as him being happy doing it makes other people want to join in and help so really I was influenced by him.
“If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be as passionate about coaching juniors and young female football.
“I’ve gotten offers from other clubs, but because I’m so happy here with the club and the community I couldn’t really leave.”
Koca wants to get the future female football stars believing their soccer journeys can lead them to the same level as success as she’s achieved and even beyond with a little bit of passion and determination.
“Getting the girls to believe in themselves and pursue football is a big aim for me,” Koca said.
Dandenong City has spots available for young female players in its under-10 and under-12 teams that will be coached by W-League championship player Gülcan Koca.
For more information on the club contact admin@dandenongcityfc.com
