Former Lautoka and Auckland City FC defender Brian Kaltak has extended his contract with the Central Coast Mariners until the end of the 2024/2025 season.
The Vanuatu Captain has been a standout in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s competition, gaining plaudits throughout the league this season.
Mariners in a statement said Kaltak has been a rock in the heart of their defense, playing ten games so far this season for the club but missed only one match.
His athleticism, aerial ability and determination have put him in third place on the Alex Tobin Medal leaderboard.
Before joining the Mariners, Kaltak spent 10 years trying to break into professional football, having a stint with New Zealand’s Auckland City while also trialing with Wellington Phoenix.
An injury during his trial with the Mariners at the end of last season meant he was unable to join the squad at that time.
However, he turned out to impress head coach Nick Montgomery during his short period at the club, the defender was asked to come back this pre-season with the hopes of gaining an A-League Men’s contract.
After continuing to excel, Kaltak was awarded an injury replacement contract as a result of Moresche’s ACL injury, with the defender making his debut against Wellington Phoenix in round two.
Since then, his standout performances have helped contribute to the Mariners strong start to this season, with the club currently sitting in second after 11 rounds.
Kaltak has filled the void which was left by departing Kye Rowles, Lewis Miller and Mark Birighitti.
“It has taken me a while to get my professional contract, now that I am here looking back, what a journey it has been. I am grateful and just happy to be here,” Kaltak said.
“This is one of the things that I have always dreamed of. I am thankful to Monty and Serg. They see something in me that other coaches maybe didn’t and that I can perform at this level. I told them that I could do it and they gave me the chance. I am just enjoying it now and ready to keep going.”
“Aside from football, I love this place. I love the people that I am with here and the boys as well. This place is nice and hot like Vanuatu, it is great.”
