Adelaide United have revealed that Adrian Stenta, the esteemed head coach of the club’s Ninja A-League Women team, has been appointed as the assistant coach for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men squad under a two-year agreement.
After dedicating seven years to leading the women’s team, Stenta will now take on the role of assistant to the club’s newly appointed men’s head coach, Airton Andrioli. His two-year contract as assistant coach also includes an option for an additional year.
As Stenta’s tenure as the Ninja A-League head coach concludes, the women’s program has reached unprecedented strength following a remarkable season in the club’s history.
Under Stenta’s guidance, he was awarded Ninja A-League Coach of the Year at the end of the 2024-25 season, having transformed the Reds from last place the previous season to third position and a spot in the Semi-Finals, all while achieving a club-record 45 points — three times the tally from 2023-24.
In his final season, Adelaide secured 14 victories during his tenure and achieved an impressive unbeaten run of 11 matches throughout the regular season, setting a new club record.
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Stenta steered Adelaide’s Ninja A-League team through 92 matches since his appointment in 2020, after previously serving as the assistant coach for two seasons. As he embarks on this new chapter of his coaching career, an emotional Stenta expressed his gratitude towards the club, players, and supporters while reflecting on his years leading the women’s side.
“I’d like to thank the club for their faith in me and for allowing me to work with and lead the A-League Women at Adelaide United,” he stated. “It has been an absolute pleasure and joy, truly the highlight of my coaching career.
“To the incredible staff and players I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over these last seven seasons, your dedication and effort have always been appreciated and do not go unnoticed. I’m extremely thankful for our time together.”
“I’d also like to extend my gratitude to all who supported us along the way, be it friends, family, members of the Ninja A-League, fans in the stands, or commercial partners who stood by the women’s team throughout my tenure.
“I’m thrilled to commence this next phase of development as a football coach and anticipate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the Ninja A-League side at Adelaide United.”
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With Stenta stepping into the role of assistant coach for Andrioli, the club has confirmed that the search for a new head coach for the Ninja A-League team is underway. The club expressed gratitude to Stenta for his contributions during seven “transformative” years.
Remaining with the club he cherishes in a new capacity, Stenta received praise from Adelaide’s technical director, Ernest Faber, who acknowledged his strong connection to the club’s football ethos.
“Adrian’s coaching acumen, dedication, and ability to communicate effectively are exceptional, and I have always admired how he brings out the best in others,” Faber stated.
“He has truly earned this opportunity and will provide excellent support to Airton as we strive to cultivate a strong and cohesive football philosophy across the Club. This also marks a significant step in aiding a South Australian coach to develop within our system.”
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