Gaza Football Club appoints Mark Kamenic as A Grade coach

A local footy club has signed a new head coach for season 2024 and is confident it will play on next year as it prepares to appeal a record punishment for years of alleged salary cap breaches.

A local SA footy club has signed a new coach as it prepares an appeal of a record fine handed down for years of alleged salary cap breaches.

Mark Kamenic has signed as coach of division four Adelaide Footy League club Gaza ahead of next season.

The club, which has been relegated twice in two years, is currently in the process of appealing a $380,000 fine and a number of suspensions of officials for alleged salary cap breaches dating back to 2018.

The punishment was handed down by SANFL in September after a lengthy investigation.

“I sat down with the club and they were very honest with me and really confident they will be going ahead in 2024,” Kamenic said.

Gaza has signed Mark Kamenic (left) as coach ahead of 2024. Picture: Gaza Football Club

“I’m taking their word for it but at the same time I’m not really focused on that right now, I’m focused on where we’re at player wise and staff wise and what we are going to be as a team moving forward.”

Kamenic has 30 years of experience in coaching and official roles, most recently taking Payneham Norwood Union’s reserves side to a grand final.

He said he could not pass up the opportunity to take on another A Grade role after a successful B Grade season.

“Coming out of Payneham I feel I know what it takes to turn a team around,” he said.

“We had a young team and while we lost the grand final by a point to Golden Grove it was a big turnaround after losing to them by 84 points earlier in the year.

“I’ve got no expectations to turn Gaza around quickly but I know what hard work and togetherness can bring to a club and to a team.”

Gaza is in the process of appealing its record fine for alleged salary cap breaches. Picture: Gaza Football Club

Kamenic also said developing the youth while holding on to experienced players would be the key to any future success.

“We’ve got a good group of youngsters and some experienced heads so we want to build on that nucleus.

“I also want to help bring some stability to the club and keep people here on and off the field for a number of years.

“There is optimism and good vibes at Gaza at the moment and we’re going to improve on it.”

On top of its record fine, Gaza received a reduction in player and premiership points and club president Don Rosella received a 10-year suspension from holding any official role with a SANFL-affiliated club, while two other officials received three years each.

The club has since launched an appeal of the fine and set up a GoFundMe as it attempts to cover $30,000 in legal costs.