- The A-League semi-finals will be played this weekend
- It will determine who makes it to the grand final
- A player has shown the highest level of commitment
Brian Kaltak is so determined to lead Central Coast to a historic treble that he missed his late mother’s funeral.
Kaltak’s mother Lucy died in March this year, meaning she missed the chance to see her son and the Mariners win the A-League men’s premier league and the AFC Cup.
When he learned of his mother’s death, Vanuatu international Kaltak debated with his father, Timothy, whether he should return to their island village of Erakor.
But Kaltak’s father was quick to remind the center back of his late mother’s wishes: to continue pursuing what you’ve always dreamed of.
“The saddest thing is that mom had to pass away and she didn’t see any of it,” Kaltak told AAP.
Central Coast Mariners star Brian Kaltak missed his mother’s funeral due to a potentially historic treble with his A-League club.
The Mariners have already won the A-League Men Premiership Plate and the AFC Cup
“But before he passed away, he said, ‘Anything you want to accomplish this season, you will accomplish.’
“I didn’t go back (to her funeral), it was a decision I made with dad and mom, before she died, it’s what they wanted from the beginning, for me to enjoy football.
“They had the funeral without me… I followed it (online) the day they took mom to the cemetery and I’m going home when the season is over.
“Mum and Dad have always been proud of me, they bought me my first pair of boots and knew I could do something special.
“They never stopped me from doing my thing and I think I’m reaping the rewards now.”
Kaltak, 30, has been a rock in the heart of the Mariners defense on their way to two trophies this year and wants to add one more.
Central Coast Mariners defenders Dan Hall (L) and Brian Kaltak pose with their medals after winning the AFC Cup Final
Kaltak said his mother would have wanted him to continue competing for the historic treble
His team will host Sydney FC in Saturday’s men’s A-League semi-final second leg (Central Coast win 2-1 in the tie) and with a win can book a place in the grand final also in Gosford.
“Two years into my professional soccer career and it’s been crazy, a lot of people play their whole lives and don’t win anything,” said Kaltak, who signed his first professional contract just 18 months ago.
“I think it’s all paying off for me and my commitment.”
Kaltak’s parents insisted that he continue to pursue success on the field because they knew how long he had waited for it after bouncing around semi-pro leagues in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
And his rise to prominence over the past 18 months has created a mutual love between the Mariners and their homeland.
“Everyone is crazy following every game we play in Vanuatu,” Kaltak said.
“The club helps send material to my town and my team.
“Even (Mariners) fans tell me they’re going on vacation to Vanuatu and show me pictures. If you go to Vanuatu now you see Mariners jerseys everywhere.”
