Tatura Soccer Club has reappointed Tristan Zito as its senior head coach for 2024 after its second straight premiership triumph.
The Bendigo Amateur Soccer League club, which has set the standard in the competition the past few seasons, had been led by Thomas Corso in its successful 2023 campaign.
Zito served as a playing coach until the start of the 2023 season, when control was handed over to Corso, citing personal reasons.
However, Zito paid tribute to the job done by Corso and hopes his charges will demonstrate a similar competitive hunger when Tatura reconvenes for pre-season.
“At the end of this season Thomas said he wouldn’t go on next year,” Zito said.
“I had handed the reins to him, who I thought was more than capable of doing the job.
“Things have changed in my life, so I was pretty keen and motivated to take it on again for next season.”
While not coaching Tatura through the recently completed campaign, Zito stayed on in a playing capacity.
He would still revel in the club’s second straight title, playing a starring on-field role in Tatura’s 4-2 grand final victory over Shepparton South.
In stepping back up to the dual role, though, Zito believes his prior experience will lay the foundations for another successful run in charge.
“A lot was learned last time in terms of how to manage the boys and finding the balance between playing and coaching,” Zito said.
“I have a few more hands on deck to help and I’m in a better spot to do it all now.
“I’m hoping everyone comes back with the same motivation and we can push on and have another go from there.”
Speaking of coming back, it is too early to have a concrete idea of player retention, with the next season not due to kick off for five months.
Zito remains optimistic, though, that the side’s existing core can make another deep run next year.
“It’s still early days, but we’ll hope to retain everyone from this year,” Zito said.
“If that happens I can’t see any reason why we wouldn’t be right up there.
“Hopefully we’ll have a crack at it again.”