Tomislav Arcaba signed for the Rockdale City Suns in April for his second stint with the club as an injury replacement and has been irreplaceable as the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 outfit’s number 1 since.
Arcaba says that the success the team enjoyed last season was a major contributing factor to his return.
“I came back because I wanted to continue on the success from last year, making the top five and hopefully this year turnings things around and reaching the grand final.”
Branko Culina was the man that brought the shot-stopper to the club and Arcaba paid respects to his former coach.
“I have a lot respect for Branko, he is a very good coach.
“It’s always hard when a coach leaves especially with the experience and knowledge that he brought to the club.”
Paul Reid has since taken the reigns in an interim role at the club and Arcaba says that both he and the club are confident he can get the results for the Suns.
“We have confidence in Paul Reid to turn things around and put the team back on top where it belongs.”
Arcaba returned to Australia after having spent valuable time overseas in various countries.
“I spent a lot of time in Eastern Europe, particularly in Romania and Serbia.
“They are places where I learnt a lot working with coaches from there.
“The culture of football is very different where Europe is more technical and Australia is more physical.”
In his first game back, the Rockdale keeper took part in the Westfield FFA Cup Preliminary Round 5 match up against association team Aurora FC at a packed Illinden Sports Centre.
Arcaba was the hero for the Suns on that night, saving two penalties on their way to a shoot-out victory.
“It was nice to get a win in a tough match, especially knowing that all the pressure would be on us to win that game comfortably.
“There is a lot of satisfaction for a goalkeeper saving a penalty, doesn’t matter what level or who it is against.”
Arcaba believes that his experience overseas and domestic performances could be topped off with a place at a Hyundai A-League club but right now his focus is with the Suns.
“I want to be successful with Rockdale first this season and then look at my options of possibly returning to Europe or the Hyundai A-League.
“I would definitely love an opportunity to play in the A-League at some stage and show what I can do.”
-By Nikola Pozder
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