Meet the Aussie battling away in Bosnia

Aleksandar Jovanovic might be unknown in his homeland but the towering defender has been on a remarkable 12-year journey overseas, with the latest stop, the Bosnian Premier League.

Jeju United defender Aleksandar Jovanovic warming up during the AFC Champions League in 2017

Jeju United defender Aleksandar Jovanovic warming up during the AFC Champions League in 2017 Source: Getty Images

Sydney-born Jovanovic grew up in the inner west and played for APIA Leichhardt and Northern Spirit as a youngster.

After debuting for Parramatta FC's first-team as a teenager, he headed to Europe in 2008 to join Serbian SuperLiga side Vojvodina.

That was the start of a professional footballing odyessy that has taken in Serbia, Thailand, China, Korea and now Bosnia.

“It has hard at the beginning [being away from home] but once I got used to it, I’ve enjoyed it,” Jovanovic told The World Game.

“My highlights would have to be finishing in the top three in the K League 1 with Jeju United, also being the first and only Australian to play over 100 games in the K League 1.

“The lowlights would have to be being relegated last year with Jeju – it was frustrating as nothing seemed to be going for us. But I’ve had no regrets, I’m living season by season and enjoying football and life.”

Jovanovic joined Bosnian giant FK Zeljeznicar in January on a six-month deal after departing Korea. The centre back made two appearances for the Plavi before the season was stopped because of the coronavirus.

“There’s no word yet on when the season will continue, there is talk of it continuing and talk that its finished,” the 30-year-old said.

“We’re still waiting for confirmation from the football federation. [But] it’s back to normal here in Sarajevo, all the shops and restaurants have reopened. There was never really any panic buying which was good, you didn’t really notice there was a pandemic.”

Ninety-eight-year-old Zeljeznicar are arguably the largest and most successful club in Bosnia.

The Blues reached the semi-final of the UEFA Cup in 1985 and are known as expert producers of talent, such as Roma striker Edin Dzeko.

“FK Zeljeznicar is the biggest club in Bosnia, they have a great stadium with great supporters,” Jovanovic said.

“The Bosnian Premier League has its negatives and positives. Some stadiums and pitches are subpar, which makes playing a whole different ball game.

“The positives are there are some real gems of players here who have so much quality and are just a pleasure to watch.”

Jovanovic left Europe in 2012 to join Thai club Police Tero.

After one season in the Thai Premier League he had a year with Korean side Suwon before linking with Jeju.

The tall centre-half enjoyed five seasons with the Mountaineers, sandwiched between a year with Chinese Super League club Tianjin TEDA in 2016.

Jovanovic thrived in Korea, enjoyed campaigns in the Asian Champions League, and once was reportedly close to Socceroos selection.

But the call never came.

“I’ve been contacted once maybe five years ago, but nothing after that,” he said.

The 30-year-old has never represented Australia at any level and has largely flown under the radar despite impressing against Asia’s best for several years.

But Jovanovic is unperturbed by the omission.

“It is what it is,” he said. “I just keep my focus on my club football.”

The defender admits playing in the A-League at some stage of his career would appeal.

“I had opportunities to play in the A-League before but it was difficult to go there because I had a long-term contract with Jeju, which included a buyout fee,” he said.

“Clubs in Australia couldn’t afford it. It has always been on my mind to play in the A-League, especially so family and friends can watch me live.”

For now, Jovanvoic remains in Sarajevo, waiting for the global pandemic to pass. He is off-contract at the end of this season and has made no decisions yet on his future.

“I’ve got no plans as of yet - you never know where football takes you,” he said. “I’m always open to all options.”


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4 min read
Published 15 May 2020 8:49am
By John Davidson

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