Football West can confirm that Ein Eric has been appointed the Gold Fields WA Men's Amateur Team head coach for the three-game tour of Malaysia in November.
Eric is an AFC A-Licence holder and the head coach for the Western Knights Under 20s NPL side.
“I’m ecstatic to be selected. I could easily stay in my comfort zone but this is an exciting challenge,” said Eric, who was born in Malaysia and emigrated with his family to Australia in 2000 where he finished high school.
This is the first time that Football West has sent an Amateur representative side overseas since 2019. They will play against three teams from the top-flight Malaysian Super League.
“The teams we will play against are big clubs, some who have represented Malaysia in the Asian Federation competitions. Their players are technical and very quick, it will be tough but a chance for the WA players to showcase their ability,” Eric said.
Eric began his coaching with Knights in 2007 after injury curtailed his stint as a player.
“I did a fair bit of work with the juniors and from there, I have coached every age group at Western Knights along with the ladies team,” he said.
“For the last six-to-seven years, I was across in Victoria and coached in NPL1 – U19s, U20s and U23s.
“Coming back from Victoria last year, I am starting to ramp up my experience. I was watching Emerald versus Jaguar on the weekend and the intensity is there. The style is quite aggressive, which is good.”
Team manager Alex Novatsis said: “Congratulations to Ein, we are delighted to have him on board. He has impressed us with his coaching and how he sees the squad performing.
“The players are excited that the Amateur tour is back. The last time we travelled overseas was pre-Covid, so I think they’re all excited to have this opportunity to go overseas again and play against some of the best in Malaysia.
“The top level of football in Asia is better than many people think, there’s no doubt about that.
"It will be a great experience for the players and Football West would like to thank Gold Fields Australia for its ongoing support of our representative side."