Since last year, club president Stefo Radevski and men’s coach Ali Karslioglu have departed the set-up, ushering in a fresh epoch.
The previous regular season proved to be a rather forgettable experience for the red and black brigade as they laboured to fifth place in the league standings following four wins, one draw and nine losses across the term.
At the finals stage, Shepparton prevailed following fiery elimination round clash with Eaglehawk which ended 3-3 after normal time - as they won on penalties following two saves from the spot.
The game was an altogether ill-tempered affair, with both sides having picked up six cautions each, as Reds star Hussain Algazali was shown a red card following two bookings.
While the senior men’s side failed to pick up silverware in 2025, their reserve team counterparts did manage to engineer some success as they won the League Cup Championship in August 2025, after beating Strathdale on penalties.
Meanwhile, its first round 2026 league clash with Tatura was forfeited and listed as a 3-0 loss in the lead-up to the game, which had been slated to take place from 3pm on April 11 at Vibert Reserve.
As it stands, the next game in the diary for Shepparton is a derby clash against cross-town rivals Shepparton United on April 19 at 3pm at John McEwen Reserve.
Tatura’s senior men’s coach Cody Sellwood has also moved on from his post following the 2025 campaign, with former reserves team helmsman Jose Rivera now installed as his successor.
The talented tactician has built up several years of experience in charge of the Ibises’ second-string side - and is tasked with bringing the good times back to Howley Oval.
Rivera’s predecessor led the team to third place in the regular season last term - following nine wins, three draws and two defeats.
However, Tatura’s grand finals tilt ended at the last four stage as Shepparton United instead advanced to the showpiece after a 3-0 win over the Ibises.
Three goals from Farid Azizi, Rumesh Bartaula and Riki Koyanagi were scored without reply as Tatura’s campaign came to a sobering close in the semi-finals.
In an announcement back in December, the club expressed gratitude towards the departed Sellwood, while ushering in Rivera’s tenure with a welcome message.
“We’re excited to confirm our coaches for the 2026 season,” a representative said.
“After several successful seasons in charge of our Reserves, Jose Rivera will step up into the Senior Men’s Coaching role.
“Jose’s consistency, football knowledge and strong connection with the playing group put him in a great position to lead the senior side forward.
“We thank outgoing coaches Cody Sellwood, Fred Zito, Bishnu Gurung, Damien Rosella and Serge Minicozzi for all their hard work in 2025.”
At the time of writing, Tatura’s next regular season game will be against Spring Gully United SC at 6pm on April 18 at Howley Oval.
Ones to Watch
SHEPPARTON SC
Murtaza Gulzari: Boasts true soccer pedigree having previously formed part of a Nations Cup-winning side with Afghanistan in 2025, prior to his return to Shepparton following a spell with the GV Suns.
TATURA SC
Jose Rivera: Arguably, Tatura’s one to watch this year is the new head coach, who has made the step up from reserve team level following success with the second string.
