Despite the FFA stalling on an announcement of A-League expansion, South Melbourne FC is determined to continue reminding the governing body and the football public of their A-League ambitions and credentials.

Following reports late last year that the club had opened negotiations with former Brazilian and Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos about coaching South’s A-League team should the club gain an A-League license, the club this week announced the news that the man himself will be visiting Lakeside in the flesh, in late May, to tour the club and its facilities as well as personally supervising some junior coaching clinics with South Junior players.

His visit is sure to generate considerable interest around South’s bid at a time when the fevered media talk around A-League expansion has dissipated amidst governance issues at the FFA.

Chairman of South Melbourne’s A-League bid Advisory Panel, Bill Papastergiadis, said in a club media announcement, “South is committed to being part of the A-League. As part of this, South is continuing to add to its credentials. Part of this are the continuing discussions South is having with Roberto Carlos to coach South’s A-League team.”

He told Neos Kosmos by email, “His visit demonstrates a few things. Firstly, that our media announcements have substance and are backed up. Secondly, that the South brand and our bid has interest from some of the biggest names in the game. Thirdly, we are committed to being in the A-League. Finally, that South can drive significant interest in the game by appealing to the broader public.”

According to Papastergiadis, Carlos’s participation in Junior coaching clinics on his visit to Lakeside also demonstrates South’s commitment to junior development.

“Our commitment to football at all levels is demonstrated by having Carlos take coaching duties for our junior players while he is in Melbourne. This is an integral part of the bid by South. That is, we are a complete football club that values all aspects of its football operations from Men’s and Women’s including our future stars (the juniors).”

According to the club’s media announcement, Carlos has told the club “As the Oceania Club of the century, South is a club steeped in tradition and success. I am interested in its story and I want to explore further where we can take our discussions. Hence coming to Melbourne is part of this discussion process. I will get the chance to see this club up close.”

The SMFC media announcement acknowledges Genova International School of Soccer for its role in helping to arrange Carlos’s visit to South Melbourne.