Brisbane Roar have secured the signature of one of Australia’s brightest young coaches, appointing highly-rated Melbourne Knights boss Ben Cahn as their new Youth Technical Director.
Hot off being named NPL Victoria’s Coach of the Year and leading Knights to semi-finals in the league, Dockerty Cup and Australia Cup – where they were beaten by the Roar – Cahn will make the step back up to A-Leagues level, charged with moulding the next generation of Queensland football stars.
A former NPL Queensland Coach of the Year who holds an AFC Pro License, the 34-year-old previously worked as an assistant at Central Coast Mariners and has a strong reputation for developing talent, having helped mould the likes of Gianni Stensness, Lachie Wales and Josh Nisbet.
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“Under Ben’s leadership, we plan to rebuild and further strengthen our youth program, ensuring that Brisbane Roar continues to be at the forefront of developing top footballing talent in Australia,” said Roar COO Zac Anderson.
“Ben’s experience, relationships in Queensland and track record speaks for itself.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have Ben onboard to drive our youth program forward, rebuilding our elite talent pathways again here in Queensland.
“Ben’s knowledge and understanding for how we wish to rebuild our youth program is essential for Brisbane Roar to achieve our key objectives.
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“An exciting new era is upon us in Brisbane Roar’s youth development and talent pathways in Queensland.”
Cahn’s appointment appears to be another step in the right direction for the Roar, who have undergone a major off-field revamp in the past few months.
Ross Aloisi has arrived as the club’s new head coach and gotten off to a fast start in the Australia Cup, while former A-Leagues players Kaz Patafta and Anderson have arrived as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer respectively.
The Roar, who have missed the Isuzu UTE A-League finals in the past two campaigns, have also brought back inaugural captain Chad Gibson as a Creative Brand Director.
Melbourne Knights announced Cahn’s departure over the weekend, suggesting they wanted him to remain at the club next season, but ‘health and family have taken priority’. That is perhaps no surprise given the recent birth of his second son, with his family still based in Brisbane.
“This decision hasn’t come lightly. It’s incredibly tough to walk away from what we’ve started to build this year but it’s an important time for many reasons for my family to be back home around our support network,” Cahn said, via the Knights’ official website.
“I’m very grateful to the club for granting me the privilege of leading the club in its 70th anniversary year.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the staff and playing group who have come together and who have given everything consistently for 11 months to create something special, and I can’t thank the Melbourne Knights supporters and community enough for welcoming me, supporting the team this year and being there for us to share some amazing moments that will live with me forever.
“I hope the momentum and togetherness we’ve built as a whole club this year will carry through and will be there to drive this genuine powerhouse of Australian football into the future.”
Brisbane Roar are currently preparing for an Australia Cup Final clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium this weekend, ahead of their Isuzu UTE A-League opener against Macarthur FC on 21 October.
