Doncic follows mentor Okuka to Greece's FC Kavala
Wants top-five place in Super League
Danilo Doncic will continue his coaching career in Greece after heeding the call of Dragan Okuka, his Serbian mentor, to be his right-hand man at Super League club FC Kavala.
Doncic first linked up with the experienced Okuka at Lokomotiv Sofia two years ago but the latter was dismissed by the Bulgarian club in the final stages of last season after a poor run of results.
Lokomotiv's decision to part with Okuka didn't affect Doncic's position at the club as he stayed on until the end of the season.
After his contract with Lokomotiv Sofia expired in June, Doncic flirted with the idea of returning to coach in Malta but the appointment of Okuka as head coach of Kavala opened a new door for the former Valletta and Sliema Wanders forward.
"I'm happy to be part of FC Kavala's coaching staff," Doncic told The Times from Greece.
"It's a new challenge for me as I'm working in a different country where the level of football is quite high.
"Olympiakos and Panathinaikos are household names in European football. I'm really looking forward to doing my part and help Kavala reach their goals this season.
"I'm also eager to repay the faith Dragan Okuka has shown in me."
Array of talent
Based in the second largest city in northern Greece, FC Kavala regained their top-flight status at the end of season 2008/09 after a lapse of nine years. Last season, they finished sixth in the 16-strong Super League.
Boasting seasoned players like Polish forward Ebi Smolarek and Nigerian striker Benjamin Onwuachi, FC Kavala have high hopes of breaking into the top echelons this season.
"The club president always expects improvement on the previous season," Doncic replied when asked to spell out the club's objectives for this season.
"The team finished sixth last season, so we must aim for a top-five position this term."
Doncic, who holds a UEFA A coaching licence, has inked a one-year deal with FC Kavala who began their pre-season training on July 1.