BoldenB a beauty at goal scoring
From one-goal wonder to unstoppable in front of the net – Newcastle Jets’ goal scoring maestro Sarina Bolden credits her new found form to former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.
Stajcic coached the Matildas from 2014-2019 and took on the top job with the Philippines women’s national team in 2021 – guiding them to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
It was Bolden who scored the Philippines first World Cup goal.
The 27year-old forward said the World Cup and Stajcic’s coaching reignited her love for football and sparked the form she has been in this A-league season.
“Definitely the World Cup has had a little bit to do with my success,” Bolden said.
“Making history with the Philippines national team, getting a win when no one really expected it, being able to score and being able to make an impact definitely gave me confidence in a way I don’t know if I would have gotten in any other tournament.
“Going into the season right after that, playing off that confidence and taking everything I’d learned from Staj, I think I’ve carried that with me and I’ve taken all those learnings from him and still applied that to my game this season.”
Bolden said Staj had a unique way of coaching that resonated with her.
“His dedication reinvigorated my love for football, he loves it so much and I could see it through his work and the way he coached us and I think that really started the foundation for everything,” she said.
“He helped me with my soccer IQ and just little things as a footballer and as a striker.”
Newcastle Jets will play City at Maitland Sportsground at 3pm on Sunday.