Moore Hits 100 Games As Coach

Playford City Patriots coach Ben Moore is set to coach his 100th senior match tonight in his side’s crucial match against West Torrens Birkalla in the South Australian State League 1 competition.

Moore, who played 490 matches for a number of clubs including Adelaide City, Para Hills and Elizabeth City, took over the reigns at the Patriots in late 2017 from Colin Bajkusev.

He led the club to promotion in 2018 from State League 2 (third tier) to State League 1 (second tier) when Playford finished first at the end of the home and away season. In the same year, he was awarded the State League 2 Coach of the Year award.

Moore said its been a journey but one he has been proud of.

“ I am really proud to achieve this milestone, I never set out to be coach when retired, but its been a fantastic opportunity to stay involved in football,” said Moore.

Moore was also awarded the State League 1 Coach of the Year Award in 2020, however, his side was unable to gain promotion to the National Premier League – SA competition, losing to White City in the Elimination Finals.

“ The club was sitting close to the bottom of State League 2 in 2017, and its been a great journey so far, especially playing finals football last season in State League 1, and this season pushing again for finals.”

Playford currently sit in fifth spot on equal points with their opposition tonight fourth placed WT Birkalla, and are six points from State League 1 leaders White City.

“it is going to be a tough game tonight against Birkalla, we lost 3-0 first time we met at their ground early this season, which is not easy for away teams to do at Ramsay Park. They have a fantastic team with good individual players”.

“Tonight will be tough, but we look forward to the challenge,” said Moore.