Tara Murray
New St Albans captain-coach Shafraz Mohammed was keen to get back into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
Having led Footscray United to two premierships and three promotions in the past three seasons, Mohammed decided it was time for a new challenge.
“I wanted to get back into the senior league and have a good crack at it,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it.
“When I left Footscray United I wanted to captain and coach a side in the senior league
“St Albans was one of the teams that approached me.”
Mohammed said he had heard good things from mates Arosh Janoda and Geeth Alwis, who have been key players for the Saints for a number of years.
The pair helped set up an interview and the rest is history.
“I spoke to them and I liked what I saw and the direction that the club wants to go,” he said.
“They want to be successful in the senior league. They are a good club and have a good culture.
“I’ll try my best and see what happens.”
Mohammed said they had already signed some recruits for next season to help make the side stronger.
On the other side, they have lost Alwis who is moving to division 1 side Westmeadows.
“Losing a player like Geeth, leaves big shoes to fill,” Mohammed said. “We’ll look to fill them with some new recruits.”
Mohammed said he was keen to work with the junior coaches to help players from the strong junior program move into the senior program.
The senior division isn’t new to Mohammed, who spent 10 seasons with Keilor, majority of them in senior division.
He said they would look to start pre-season in late July.
Saints president Jeff Montebello is excited for what the 2023-24 season, and beyond, holds. The Saints finished the 2022-23 season in seventh spot, after a final round loss ended their finals chances.
“On field the club has retained their great on field leaders and we believe that combined with the addition of our new playing captain-coach all of our Saints players will continue to learn and as a club we will flourish once again,” he said.
“As a club our goal is to continue to create an environment where everyone is pushing each other for on field success, but also being part of an enjoyable club off the field.”
