Sterjovski Ready to Help His Young Talents Reach the Next Level

Northbridge Bulls coach Mile Sterjovski is ready to lead his team into the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s competition and will be looking to build on the foundations that have been established since their introduction to the league.

The former Socceroo has been working with the young talents in his squad for several years now and is hopeful that the players will feel more confident after some experience in the league.

“This year, having one year of experience in NPL1, I’m hoping to be a bit more settled with the team,” he explained.

“I think last season we played well in quite a few games, but probably in the last 10 to 15 minutes of games we lacked that composure, being a young team.

“Now having that experience, I’m hoping that we are able to see the games out and get the points that we deserve.”

Reflecting on the team’s experience so far in the competition, Sterjovski has a clear direction for improvement for the upcoming season.

“I think one thing that I want to improve on as a team is seeing out games,” he explained.

“I think there were quite a few games where we were right in it until the end or we were winning towards the end and the last few minutes we just lacked that composure and at times maybe we’re a little bit bullied by more experienced players.

“So I just want us to improve on that front and be able to play a full 90 to 95 minutes and not let any situation get the better of us.”

Having been a successful player in his own right, Sterjovski is in the perfect position to impart his wisdom onto the youngsters to help lead them through the early stages of their football careers.

“I think it’s just about trying to instil belief in the players and ask them to be brave and not to worry about making mistakes because they’re young so I think it’s all part of learning for them,” he said.

“If I can instil that belief in them to keep trying and to keep being brave and wanting the ball in certain areas, I think they’re going to grow as players and I think that’s where we will get our success.

While the team will have significantly less experience than most other teams in the league due to their age, there is a wealth of talent in the squad that will challenge the more established teams.

“I think with all Academy teams we have young players who are very talented and driven that want to try and make it as professionals so I think we’ll have a good young, dynamic team that will play exciting football.”