Macarthur FC have appointed Sasa Ognenovski as head coach on a contract to the end of the 2027-28 season, two days after the Bulls parted ways with Mile Sterjovski. The 47-year-old former Socceroos defender, most recently football director at NPL Victoria side Preston Lions FC, takes up his first top-flight head coaching role less than two months before the new A-League Men season begins.
Sterjovski left by mutual termination of his contract. He had been the longest-serving coach in the competition, having taken over midway through the 2022-23 season following Dwight Yorke's abrupt departure. Macarthur made deep runs in Asian competition under him, but missed the domestic finals in each of his last two seasons in charge.
"After speaking with the people involved, it became clear that we share the same desire to build a strong football program, establish high professional standards and create an environment in which players can perform and develop," Ognenovski said in a statement. "I believe there is enormous potential here, and the opportunity to help shape the club's next chapter was one I was extremely excited to accept. Bulls fans can expect relentless effort, total commitment and an entertaining brand of football. We will play forward with bravery and purpose. Above all, we want to build a team that competes in every moment, makes its supporters proud and reflects the values of the club every time it takes the field."
Ognenovski's own playing career ran from the NSL through spells overseas and back into the A-League with the Roar, Adelaide and Sydney FC. He won 22 caps for Australia, took the Asian Champions League with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, and was named the Asian Football Confederation's Footballer of the Year for 2010. Macarthur open the new season at home to Perth Glory on 17 October.