In February, the Zmajev academy saw three reinforcements in the organizational structure. Ivica Vranješ became the new head of the NK Olimpija youth team, Igor Barukčič took on the role of scout, and Blaž Babnik will serve as secretary and coach of the U14 selection.
The newly appointed head of the green-white football school, Ivo Vranješ, said upon signing the cooperation agreement: “I’m happy to be coming to such a club and that I of course received a call from director Igor Barišić and sports director Goran Boromisa. We were in contact two years ago, and now the desire to work together has finally come true.”
“As for my personal career, I have 26 years of coaching experience and thus also hold a UEFA PRO license. So far, I have been mainly involved in the development of young players in the Croatian national teams, I have also been the head of the scouting service of NK Osijek, the football school and the assistant head coach in Malaysia. I certainly believe that with my rich experience I can contribute to the development of young prospects of Olimpija and Slovenian football in general.”
Sports Director Goran Boromisa: “As we have announced in the past, we have now strengthened the football school with professional staff, which will raise the working level and consequently the development of the players to a significantly higher level. So I am pleased to introduce Ivica Vranješ. He is an expert with many years of experience in youth football. I am convinced that with his knowledge and strategic mindset, he will help even more young players from the football school to move to the first team in the future.”
“At the same time, we have also strengthened our scouting service, namely with Igor Barukčič, who already has experience in this field of work. He knows the Slovenian football scene very well. Before that, he also worked as a scout at Radomlje and Maribor. We are very pleased that he will now be part of our club. There is also Blaž, previously a member of Ilirija, his role in Olimpija is connected to the position of head of administration for youth development, which is of utmost importance in today’s football world.”
“The goal of the football school must be the development of young football players and their preparation for games in the first team. With new reinforcements in the professional part of the academy, we show that we are serious about this. Both on and off the field. We all want as many young Dragons as possible to get a chance on the member stage in the future,” said Boromisa.
