Looking ahead: Coach Michael Roki, captain Ashley Rosindale, state team members
John Migas and Daniel Micevski and assistant coach Peter Vatistas.
As a player and as a coach Michael Roki has done it all in blue and white stripes of Athena and the black and gold of our State team. His achievements are etched in the clubs history and the experiences and memories course through the mans veins and the hearts and souls of all contemporary Athena fans.
A noted professional amongst his peers and those seeking his guidance to develop into better footballers. After announcing a break from the game in the summer of 2010 and stepping down as Athena coach after a successful stint - the question on the minds of many in the WA football family was when, where and how would Rox return to the presuure cooker of life in the coaching circle?
Well to the surprise of many we did not have too wait long. Within one year Roki has returned to manage arguably one of the most ambitious and results driven clubs of recent times at least – Balcatta SC. In recognition of their historical club name Etna - their club symbol sports an image of an explosive volcano spewing dangerous molten larva into the atmosphere. The results and heights that the club has achieved in 2011 so far have been equally breathtaking.
With the utmost respect shown to the man who lives and breathes the game like the greatest football tragic of us all that we can relate to - it is most fitting that we catch up for a word with Rox.
A warm welcome back to Litis Stadium for Michael Roki - this time unusually as the opponent coach of the WAPL's best performing side to date - league leaders Balcatta SC.
Athenista caught up with one of Athena's all time favourite sons for some special comments before the Sunday June 26 2011 clash - Floreat Athena FC vs Balcatta SC.
Hello Michael and thanks for making the time to contribute to the Athenista blog.
Cheers it is a pleasure and big hello to the Athena Army!
It must be very rewarding to be plying your trade again as a senior WAPL coach with your side being in great shape on top of the league. We all know football is a team sport but are there any individuals you wish to single out for special mention that have contributed to this overall very impressive showing to date?
Whilst Burton and Rosindale have scored 10 goals a-piece, the opportunities they have had stem from the work of a team that has been able to control many of our games and also that has defended well to date. I think the team has worked well together as a squad and essentially that’s why we are up with the leaders. I don’t think it would be fair to single out players as its been a genuine squad contribution over the course of 15 rounds.
Which opponent WAPL sides have impressed you so far this season and why?
Inglewood have looked impressive with their free flowing counter attack style and obviously Floreat have now settled to be grinding out solid results consistently.
2009 Gold Medal Winner David Micevski is back in WA after a short stint in the break away Indonesian Premier League with Solo City where he netted 5 goals in 11 appearances after some fantastic seasons for Western Knights as a rampaging midfielder. This is a massive signing for Balcatta - how did this come about and is it a long term signing?
David is likely to head back to Indonesia shortly to continue his contractual obligations. He is probably only with us for a short while and we are helping him with his preparation for his return to Indonesia. His stint is a timely one for us as recently we lost Chile Barrera for the season due to injury and Migas and Eltonbott are on leave for extended periods.
The Stephen Burton and Ashley Rosindale combination has been lethal with the pair netting 10 goals each to be currently joint leaders in the scoring ranks. Tell us a little about Burton and were you surprised as many of us were that Rosindale did not make the State squad but Burton did?
I’m really not sure about the selection criteria used for state selection but Ash has missed 4 games due to work commitments but the good news is that he will only miss one more this season. Burts has been solid all year and I’m a bit surprised that they both didn’t get the call up. I would also have included Adam Tong in my state side given he has lead the team that has conceded fewest goals in the league, not to mention Lewis Italiano in goals who would also be deserving of a call.
You were a high profile player both locally and abroad. Now as well regarded and much respected coach we know you thrive on this high profile and embrace it as a challenge and motivational fodder for yourself as a committed football professional. Can you please give us some insights into your current footballing life and expectations at Balcatta SC.
My decision to re-enter the coaching scene was a lot more difficult than leaving it, but I must say I am enjoying the involvement again due to the great support that I am currently having from the BSC management and from Pete, Saul and Johnny. My work commitments have not lessened anywhere near what I would like, but I am committed to the club at the moment and hope that can continue. Our main objective at BSC this year was to raise the clubs profile to becoming a genuine top five competitor and we are well on the way to achieving that. The exciting challenge for me is to see if we can transform a struggling recently promoted team into a new soccer force in WA within a few years. It’s an ambitious project but I believe the club has the management personnel to drive such a project.
Do you have any views on the new look Floreat Athena side after the huge number of changes and departures at the club? And are there any players that you would single out for any special attention.
There has obviously been a lot of speculation regarding player movements particularly with a number of them re-associating with me at Balcatta. At the end of the day Ante and Taki have maintained a nucleus of players (AK, Jules, Jimmy, Alex, Jarrad, Miki) and added a number of quality players. The Van Dongens, Pritchard, Boland, Moran, and youngsters O’Connell and Franz complement a very solid squad which is equal to any in the league.
Balcatta will obviously have to keep their eye on Boland who has been scoring regularly and Pritchard who has made a big impact in their form turn around.
Cheers Michael – see you Sunday!
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