Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Melbourne Knights kicked off their 70th Anniversary in style at the club’s Season Launch at the Croatian House in Footscray on Wednesday night.
Nearly 500 guests including many new, returning and famous faces were in attendance on the night hosted by one of Australia’s most highly respected football media personalities David Davutovic.
Amongst those attending was Croatia National Team Head Coach, Zlatko Dalic, who has been a constant face at the Croatian Diaspora Camp, hosted by the Knights, much to the delight of the youngest Knights faithful.
Dalic wasn’t the only high profile guest from the HNS with President Marijan Kustic, Technical Director Stipe Pletikosa, Technical Director for Development Petar Krpan as well as former Knight and Croatian U19 Head Coach Josip Simunic also in attendance.
Dalic, Pletikosa, Krpan and Simunic all took part in a Q&A panel with David Davutovic, covering a range of topics including Croatia’s recent run to third place at the FIFA World Cup and the importance of the Croatian brand of football on the global stage.
The evening’s second panel saw an introduction to new Knights Head Coach Ben Cahn as well as confirmation that former Socceroo, Ivan Franjic will Captain the Knights in 2023.
READ MORE: Franjic to Captain Knights in 70th Anniversary Season
On the panel alongside Melbourne Knights new Captain and Coach was FA Chairman Chris Nikou, who provided an insight into the impending National Second Division.
Nikou confirmed that the EOI documents to kick off the National Second Division process had been approved with an announcement expected soon.
With a new era on the horizon the community reached generously into their pockets and raised a record amount on the night from player and jersey auctions.
Melbourne Knights President Pave Jusup also confirmed imminent upgrades to Knights Stadium aided by a $750,000 investment from the Labour Government with Natalie Suleyman – Member for St Albans, who pledged the funds at the Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club in November in attendance.
Wednesday’s Season Launch marked the start of an exciting year for the club with Knights kicking off their 2023 NPL Victoria campaign on the road against St Albans on Sunday, February 19 (5pm KO).
Memberships for Melbourne Knights 70th Anniversary Season are on sale now with packages available to view and purchase below.
