Žarko Odžakov (Macedonian: Жарко Оџаков) (born 11 November 1955, in Skopje[1]) is a retired footballer who represented Australia 13 times in full international matches.[2][3][4] Former Australia coach Rale Rasic in 2006 picked Odžakov in his greatest Socceroo team.[5]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name |
Žarko Odžakov Жарко Оџаков | ||
| Date of birth | (1955-11-11) 11 November 1955 (age 66) | ||
| Place of birth | Dojran, SFR Yugoslavia | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1974–1982 | Vardar | 109 | (9) |
| 1982–1984 | Preston Makedonia | 54 | (10) |
| 1985–1987 | Sydney Croatia | 67 | (17) |
| 1988–1990 | Blacktown City | 55 | (2) |
| National team | |||
| 1985–1987 | Australia | 13 | (3) |
| 1989 | Australia (futsal) | 3 | (1) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2001 | Vardar | ||
| 2002–2003 | Macedonia U-21 | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Odžakov played 109 matches over eight years for FK Vardar in the Yugoslav First League, scoring nine goals.[1]
In 1982, he emigrated to Australia where he played for Preston Makedonia in the National Soccer League.[1]
From 1985 until 1987 he played at NSL club Sydney Croatia. It was at Croatia that he took the notice of the Australian selectors.[1][3]
After two years at Croatia he moved to Blacktown City where he played two years, playing 55 NSL matches.[1]
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.[1]
Odžakov played three matches for the Australia national futsal team at the 1989 FIFA Futsal World Championship.[4]
Soon after retiring Odžakov returned to his native North Macedonia. He soon received his coaching accreditation in Belgrade.[2]
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.[2]
Odžakov managed various North Macedonia youth teams, including the North Macedonia national under-21 football team.[2]
The Zarko Odzakov Cup is named in honour of Odžakov. It is contested by Sydney United (formerly Sydney Croatia) and Bankstown City (a team representing the Macedonian-Australian community).[6]
FK Vardar – managers | |
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North Macedonia national under-21 football team – managers | |
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