Žarko Odžakov


Žarko Odžakov is a retired footballer who represented Australia 13 times in full international matches. Former Australia coach Rale Rasic in 2006 picked Odžakov in his greatest Socceroo team.

Playing career

Club career

FK Vardar

Odžakov played 109 matches over eight years for FK Vardar in the Yugoslav First League, scoring nine goals.

Preston

In 1982, he emigrated to Australia where he played for Preston Makedonia in the National Soccer League.

Sydney Croatia

From 1985 until 1987 he played at NSL club Sydney Croatia. It was at Croatia that he took the notice of the Australian selectors.

Blacktown City

After two years at Croatia he moved to Blacktown City where he played two years, playing 55 NSL matches.

International career

Outdoor football

In 1985 Odžakov played his first international match for the Australia. In all he played 13 full international matches for the Socceroos, playing his last match in 1987.

Futsal

Odžakov played three matches for the Australia national futsal team at the 1989 FIFA Futsal World Championship.

Coaching career

Soon after retiring Odžakov returned to his native Macedonia. He soon received his coaching accreditation in Belgrade.
After a string of assistant coaching roles Odžakov had stint managing FK Vardar, where he managed to place Vardar in the top half of the Macedonian First League.
Odžakov managed various Republic of Macedonia youth teams, including the Republic of Macedonia national under-21 football team.

Zarko Odzakov Cup

The Zarko Odzakov Cup is named in honour of Odžakov. It is contested by Sydney United and Bankstown City.