Canterbury’s Coastal Spirit have named Faiz Syed as the club’s new director of football after his move south from Auckland’s East Coast Bays.
Syed (29) has more than 10 years’ coaching experience at senior, youth and grassroots levels, and has coached in Malaysia, Pakistan and in Christchurch, Wellington and Northland.
He replaces Gary Bennett who left the Spirit role in December after six years in the job.
READ MORE: Coastal Spirit say farewell to departing director of football Gary Bennett >>>>
In 2023, he was a football development officer with East Coast Bays, responsible for leading Bays’ girls and women’s football programmes, its community coach education programmes, and as head coach for the NRFL U-14 team and Skills Hub Coach and Junior Grade Support.
In 2022, he was a NRFL youth coach with Northland FC.
Syed has told Coastal Spirit followers via social media: “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of Coastal Spirit FC.
“With my coaching journey spanning various roles and my philosophy focused on unlocking each player’s potential, I am eager to build a legacy of success on and off the field.
“As we unite under the Coastal Spirit FC banner, I look forward to collaborate with players, coaches, and supporters alike. Together, let’s write the next chapter in Coastal Spirit FC’s storied history.”