Canberra Olympic head coach Frank Cachia (left) with his assistant coach and cousin Matthew Cachia, who have won a unique treble in the Women’s Premier League. Photo: Facebook.
Frank Cachia said he was looking for a challenge when he took over the reins of his first National Premier League Women’s team earlier this year.
After winning plenty of silverware in the men’s premier league with Canberra Olympic and the Monaro Panthers in eight seasons as a first-grade coach, it was time to find out whether he was capable of replicating that success in the women’s league.
He needed little persuasion in returning to Canberra Olympic where he won nine trophies in six seasons with the men. His cousin Matthew was the assistant coach, and his cousin’s daughter, Madison, was an emerging star on the team.
It also helped that he was taking over from a team fresh from winning the past two premierships under the guidance of former Canberra United star Nicole Begg.
Former Canberra United star player and premiership-winning Canberra Olympic coach Nicole Begg. Photo: Supplied.
“I was taking over a very good side,” said Frank.
“Nicole had done an incredible job with this side. There was an expectation that the team would do well, and as a coach I wanted to go to another level.”
Even though he was out of his comfort zone, few could have predicted how the season would unfold.
It was challenging, to say the least, as Frank used 30 players through the season in first grade with players unavailable at various stages. It’s the most number of players he has ever used in his now ninth year coaching at the top level in Canberra.
In the end, he guided the team to a rare feat—a treble in the NPL, the Charity Shield, the League Championship, and victory in the grand final with a 2-0 win over Belconnen United. This was Olympic’s third premier league title in a row.
“In the lead-up to the grand final, I told the girls that I had two jerseys on the wall, and I said I’ve got room for one more. And after we won the grand final, the players were reminded of this promise.” The two jerseys were from his victories with the Monaro Panthers and the Canberra Olympic men’s team.
So where to now for one of Canberra’s most successful football coaches?
As with most coaches at this level, there is always a latent desire to coach at a higher level.
“I’m hoping an opportunity might arise. People talk about players going to another level; it’s the same with coaches. Whether the opportunity is here or elsewhere, ideally, I’d like to stay in Canberra.”
The door has closed for the time being with Canberra United as Antoni Jagarinec takes over as head coach.
Canberra United’s new head coach, Antoni Jagarinec. Photo: Capital Football.
Jagarinec comes into the role after extraordinary success with Belconnen United, including nine successive premierships.
Frank says there are a few clubs interested, and in the end, it will come down to personal choice.
Given his track record, wherever he goes, success is sure to follow.
In the meantime, he has an opportunity to reflect on a coaching career that has changed the coaching landscape in Canberra.
Loading ...
