Countdown to Playoffs: Novi Marojevic
Photo credit: Reid Sprenkel (www.reidjsphoto.com)
NOVI MAROJEVIC
HEAD COACH
Marojević, who possesses over 20 years of professional soccer experience, launched his career in Yugoslavia, playing for FC Sutjeska, FC Radnicki, FC Partizan, FC Vozdovac and FC Celik. He accumulated two national championships while playing for FC Sutjeska. He was also a member of the Yugoslavian National Soccer Team, and voted Best Junior Player in Montenegro during the 1989-1990 season.
Upon arriving to the United States, Marojević joined the Kansas City Attack for a nine-year stint, earning a championship in 1996. In 2004, Marojević joined the Chicago Storm. He then went on to play for the Detroit Ignition in 2006, Rockford Rampage in 2008, and finally, the Chicago Riot in 2011.
Season Highlights
Marojevic was promoted to head coach on December 11, 2012, replacing Manny Rojas. Under Marojevic’s leadership, the squad has had a winning record and has gone from last place in league standings to playoff contention. Marojevic is currently in position to lead his team to postseason play in the franchise’s inaugural year and his first season as a head coach.
Getting to Know a Soul
Age I started playing soccer: 5
Years played professionally: 22
Years coached professionally: 4
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite color: Red
Favorite movie: Scarface
Celebrity crush: Cindy Crawford
If I could have one superpower, it would be: The power to help the poor and make people happy.
Someone (dead or alive) I wish I could meet: Cindy Crawford
Someone I look up to: My family
If I wasn’t coaching soccer, I would be: An agent for soccer players
My pre-game rituals / superstitions: Put a game plan together.
Most memorable moment with the Soul: When I was promoted to head coach.
Proudest moment as a member of the Soul: Turning the season around and bring the team closer to playoffs.
What I hope to be remembered for / The legacy I hope to leave behind: As a good person, a good friend, and a good father / husband.
Advice for aspiring soccer players: Focus on the game, and improve yourself every day and every game. That’s the only way to move forward and become a good soccer player.
