Former All Whites striker Shane Smeltz is building his reputation as a professional coach working with players in Queensland.
Under the banner of Shane Smeltz Football, runs an academy for promising young players and provides coaching services to A-League club Brisbane Roar and National Premier League club Gold Coast United.
Smeltz will be forever remembered for his 2010 FIFA World Cup finals goal against world champions Italy but at 40, he’s settled on Australia’s Gold Coast where he grew up.
Gold Coast United — who have a trans-Tasman partnership with Auckland’s Papakura City — have announced Smeltz has been secured to provide specialist coaching for 2022.
United’s Technical Director, Craig Midgley, told the club’s website:
“It’s great to partner with someone of Shane’s calibre; he’s had a magnificent career in the game.
“What he can bring to us is an extra; the kids are going to have the opportunity to join a programme that can really zone in on their individual needs.”
Smeltz said: “It’s all about the kids for me. It’s about providing them opportunities for quality, additional training.”
Main photo: From left, Craig Midgley, Shane Smeltz and GCU’s 2021 Coach of the Year, Greg Amaral.
Papakura City link with Gold Coast United
Last October, the two clubs announced they were forming a partnership that would have many benefits, including the sharing of knowledge.
GCU’s Midgley said: “Developing relationships with ‘sister clubs’ in the Asian Pacific region is an important element of the club’s longer-term vision.
“We want opportunities for our players and our coaches to expand their football knowledge and partnerships like this with like-minded clubs gives us that opportunity.”
Shane Smeltz – a glittering career
Smeltz played for New Zealand in three FIFA Confederation Cups (France, South Africa and Russia), and at the 2012 Olympic Football Tournament in London.
He scored 24 goals in 58 games for the All Whites.
In Australia’s A-League, he tormented defences for almost a decade, scoring 92 goals for Wellington Phoenix, Gold Coast United, Perth Glory and Sydney FC. He earned two A-League Golden Boots and a Johnny Warren Medal (Player of the Season) and club awards.
Video replay: That goal!
Smeltz scored the goal of his life at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa, tucking the ball home after a perfectly-delivered free-kick from midfielder Simon Elliott.
Relive the moment that New Zealand shocked the world champions Italy here …
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