Kaz Patafta, Brisbane Roar’s 34-year-old new chief executive and chairman, reckons he’ll bring his boots into the office just in case.
Signed by Portuguese giants Benfica as a 16-year-old, Patafta was once described by former Australia boss Ange Postecoglou as the “most technically gifted” player he had ever coached.
That was in 2007, a year after the Canberra-born teenager had trained with the Socceroos’ golden generation before their mighty World Cup run.
The expected top-level playing career never quite materialised, though, with Patafta retiring at 22 following a move to Asia that morphed into a career in corporate law alongside managing Laotian side Lanexang United.
Now back in Australia with Brisbane – alongside fellow former Australia junior representative Zac Anderson, 32 and the Roar’s new chief operating officer – Patafta hopes to revitalise the former A-League powerhouse.
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“We’re still looking for a No.10 and I wouldn’t mind putting the shirt on,” a suited Patafta grinned at his first press conference on Friday.
“In all seriousness, I want to get the most out of our squads so I will be present, in terms of being around the team, at the pitch.
“I want that, not to get in anyone’s face, but that’s what I love, I love to feel it.
“If that means putting a shirt on at training, we might have to.”
Patafta and Anderson have taken charge after the Roar’s owners, Indonesian conglomerate The Bakrie Group, on Wednesday removed long-time boss Chris Fong as the club’s chairman and chief executive officer.
The pair launched an app and crypto token together two years ago that has since busted, but Patafta insisted their business smarts are not in doubt.
“If we’re underestimated that’s going to be a risk for other clubs,” he said.
“We’re well versed in this game, both in Australia and overseas, on and off the park.
“There’s been questions over the last decade as to why I left football at such a young age.
“My vision and dream was to eventually be in this position.
“Brisbane Roar is a beast of a club … our intention is to take the Roar right back where it belongs.”
On the hunt for a striker, Anderson said the budget was enough “to get the right player”.
He cited the three-time champions’ glory years powered by the unheralded Thomas Broich and Besart Berisha as evidence the Roar did not need to chase household names.
“It’s just strategic recruitment,” he said while promising fans the side will play an entertaining style under new coach Ross Aloisi.
“These rough diamonds, (at) the right age and price tag, are out there.
“What’s been missing is that everyone’s not really had a clear direction.
“Everyone’s been working really hard, but not really towards anything.”
