Brian Kaltak
Kaltak in 2019
Personal information
Date of birth (1993-09-30) 30 September 1993 (age 30)
Place of birth Erakor, Vanuatu
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Central Coast Mariners
Number 3
Youth career
–2010 Teouma Academy
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011 Waterside Karori
2011–2012 Hekari United
2012–2013 Solomon Warriors
2013 Wairarapa United
2014 Hekari United
2014–2015 Amicale
2015–2016 Solomon Warriors
2016–2017 Erakor Golden Star
2017 Wairarapa United
2017–2018 Tasman United 10 (1)
2018 → Lautoka (loan) 2 (0)
2018–2022 Auckland City 49 (7)
2022 FK Beograd 5 (0)
2022– Central Coast Mariners 48 (2)
International career‡
Vanuatu U17[2]
2014 Vanuatu U20 4 (1)
2015 Vanuatu U23 2 (6)
2011– Vanuatu 20 (5)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 2 April 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 4 December 2021

Brian Kaltak (born 30 September 1993) is a Ni-Vanuatu professional footballer who plays as a central defender for A-League club Central Coast Mariners and the Vanuatu national team.

Early life

Brian Kaltak was born on 30 September 1993, in Erakor, Vanuatu.[3][4] His father, Timothy Kaltak, played a significant role in shaping his early passion for the sport.[3][5]

From a young age, Brian idolised his father and would follow him to the local sports field after school.[3] He was also influenced by Brazilian player Ronaldinho.[5]

Brian's began playing football at the age of seven. In Erakor, where resources were limited, the village children would play barefoot. As they grew older, they had only three pairs of boots to be shared among twenty kids, necessitating turns to wear them. Kaltak, would wear a single boot on his right foot.[3]

After school, Kaltak would play football. When the school locked away their few balls in the changing rooms after school, they would create makeshift balls using plastic bags and sellotape.[3][5]

Club career

Early career

At the young age of 15, he was promoted to Erakor Golden Star first-team, after most of the club's senior players left following their recent relegation to the First Division. Alongside a promising group of fellow youngsters, they worked hard and won the competition, earning promotion back to the Premier League within two years.[3] Brian's skills even caught the attention of Colin Tuaa, a former New Zealand international player, during an Oceania Football Confederation tournament in New Zealand. Impressed by Brian's abilities, Colin arranged a six-month scholarship for him to train with the A-League club Wellington Phoenix while continuing to play local football with Waterside Karori.[3][6] To support his training and development, Brian received financial assistance of NZ$15,000 from the Oceania Football Confederation, covering the costs associated with his training and ensuring he had the opportunity to grow as a player.[7]

Auckland City

On 3 October 2018, Kaltak signed for Auckland City.[8] He scored his first goal for the club on 27 January 2019, scoring from a free kick in a 3–2 win over Eastern Suburbs.[9] In 2020, Kaltak became the first ni-Vanuatu to win the New Zealand Football Championship as a player.[10]

Central Coast Mariners

Kaltak soon moved to Australia in April 2022 and began with an initial trial with Central Coast Mariners towards the end of the 2021/22 A-League season.[11] His opportunity with the Mariners came through coach Josh Smith, who played a pivotal role in facilitating his arrival in Australia and arranging the trial.[12] Unfortunately, during the trial, Kaltak sustained an injury, preventing him from continuing the trial. As the season concluded in June and Kaltak continued his rehabilitation, he followed Smith to FK Beograd, a South Australian NPL side, where Smith took on a coaching role.[12][13]

In August, Kaltak was given another chance to impress after being offered another trial at Central Coast Mariners ahead of the 2022–23 A-League season where he successfully impressed head coach Nick Montgomery.[12][14] On 27 September, Kaltak signed an injury replacement contract with the Central Coast Mariners, becoming the first Vanuatu professional football player in the history of Vanuatu football.[15] Kaltak made his professional debut on 16 October, in a 2–2 league draw against Wellington Phoenix at Wellington Regional Stadium.[16] On November 13, he received his first red card in the 30th minute during a 3–2 loss against Macarthur, resulting in a one-match suspension.[17]

Despite this, Kaltak was lauded for his standout performances, particularly during the month of December as a key figure in the Mariners' defence;[18] he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a clean sheet in a 3–0 victory against the Newcastle Jets in the F3 Derby[19] and a 2–1 win in the previous match against Sydney FC.[20] On 11 January 2023, Central Coast Mariners announced that Kaltak would remain with the club until the end of the 2024/2025 season after his side conceded just three goals in the previous five games.[21]

On 4 February, in his second match against Sydney FC, he received a straight red card in the 25th minute for denying Max Burgess an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.[22] Although the club appealed the decision, Kaltak was still handed a one-week suspension, causing him to miss the subsequent match against Brisbane Roar.[23] In the match against Wellington Phoenix after a week of completing his suspension, Kaltak was sent off again in the 59th minute for a challenge on Phoenix attacker David Ball.[24] The minimum suspension of two matches was imposed on Kaltak, with his teammate Moresche also receiving a two-match ban for violent conduct in the 97th minute.[25]

Kaltak remained a key player for the Mariners as his contributions were vital in the team's success, as they secured three consecutive wins against Adelaide United in the final league match (4–1)[26] and both legs of the nA-League semi-final (4–1 on aggregate).[27][28] Kaltak played a significant role in the Mariners' stunning 6–1 victory over Melbourne City in the Grand Final at CommBank Stadium, leading them to lift the A-League Men championship trophy.[29] After the match, Kaltak was embraced and congratulated by Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau, who flew in to witness him play. In Vanuatu, screens were set up at Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila, allowing locals to watch Kaltak become the first Vanuatu player to compete in an A-League Grand Final.[30]

International career

Kaltak made his international debut for Vanuatu in 2011.[31]

In March 2022, Kaltak went to Qatar for the World Cup qualifiers.[32] Vanuatu's first match was scheduled against Tahiti on 17 March 2022, but the team was forced to withdraw from the tournament without playing a game due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the travelling contingent.[33]

Personal life

Kaltak moved to Port Vila to obtain his secondary education.[34] Brian's cousins Tony and Jean also play for the national team.[35] The pair were both named in the 2012 OFC Nations Cup squad.[36]

In 2021, Kaltak told the New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu that he believed athletes should avoid tobacco as part of World No Tobacco Day.[37]

Produced by Fulwell 73, FIFA released Captains in 2022, an eight-part sports docuseries following six national team captains in their respective 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.[38] Kaltak, representing Vanuatu, starred alongside Thiago Silva (Brazil), Luka Modrić (Croatia), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Andre Blake (Jamaica) and Hassan Maatouk (Lebanon).[38] It was released by Netflix and also shown on FIFA's own streaming platform, FIFA+.[39]

Career statistics

International

As of match played 18 July 2019[1]
Vanuatu score listed first, score column indicates score after each Kaltak goal.
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 3 June 2012 Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands 8  Samoa 2–0 5–0 2012 OFC Nations Cup
2 10 November 2015 Korman Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu 11  Fiji 1–0 2–1 Friendly
3 26 March 2016 Port Vila Municipal Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu 12  New Caledonia 2–1 2–1 Friendly
4 4 June 2016 Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 15  Fiji 3–2 3–2 2016 OFC Nations Cup
5 18 July 2019 National Soccer Stadium, Apia, Samoa 21  Samoa 10–0 11–0 2019 Pacific Games

Honours

Auckland City

Central Coast Mariners

Individual

Orders

References

  1. ^ a b Brian Kaltak at Soccerway
  2. ^ "OFC U-17 CHAMPIONSHIP – GOALS GALORE ON OPENING DAY". Oceania Football Confederation. 20 April 2009. Archived from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Elbra, Tim (1 June 2023). "Life of Brian: From sellotape and a cyclone to Mariners miracle". Code Sports.
  4. ^ "From Vanuatu to A-League: Brian Kaltak's incredible journey". FIFA. 10 March 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Bhattacharjee, Neeladri (15 June 2023). "Back to the Beautiful game: Vanuatu looks to bury horrors of Covid-19 with a return to football". SportsStar.
  6. ^ "Kaltack kicking on in Wellington". Oceania Football. 10 June 2011. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013.
  7. ^ "OFC sponsor Kaltack in Phoenix traineeship". Oceania Football. 7 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013.
  8. ^ Brian Kaltak confirmed for Navy Bluesv Archived 5 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine, aucklandcityfc.com, 3 October 2018
  9. ^ "Stuff.co.nz". Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  10. ^ a b "Brian Kaltak crowned national champion in New Zealand top-league". Vanuatu Daily Post. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Auckland City defender Brian Kaltak trialling with A-League's Mariners". Friends of Football. 7 April 2022. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  12. ^ a b c Pagonis, Antonis (28 October 2022). "'If I can make it this far, there is nothing that can stop them': Mariner Brian Kaltak inspiring hope for Pacific Islanders". The Inner Sanctum.
  13. ^ "FK Beograd sign Jeffrey Tasso and Brian Kaltak". Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  14. ^ Romena, Romeka (18 August 2022). "Kaltak joins Central Coast Mariners for trials". Fiji Live. Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  15. ^ "Mariners sign experienced Vanuatu international Brian Kaltak". Central Coast Mariners. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  16. ^ D'Urbano, Nick (16 October 2022). "Wellington Phoenix 2 vs Central Coast Mariners 2". KEEPUP.
  17. ^ D'Urbano, Nick (13 November 2022). "Central Coast Mariners 2 vs Macarthur 3". KEEPUP.
  18. ^ "Netflix star taking the Isuzu UTE A-League by storm with consecutive man-of-the-match showings". KEEPUP. 21 December 2022.
  19. ^ "Mariners take the three points in dominant Derby Day". Central Coast Mariners. 21 December 2022.
  20. ^ "Mariners triumph over Sydney at Our Paradise". Central Coast Mariners. 17 December 2022.
  21. ^ "Brian Kaltak to stay on the Coast until 2025". Central Coast Mariners. 11 January 2023.
  22. ^ D'Urbano, Nick (4 February 2023). "Sydney 3 vs Central Coast Mariners 2". KEEPUP.
  23. ^ "Kaltak handed one match suspension after unsuccessful appeal". Central Coast Mariners. 6 February 2023.
  24. ^ "Debate rages over controversy filled Mariners-Phoenix stalemate - 'I can't understand how that's a red'". KEEPUP. 24 February 2023.
  25. ^ "Kaltak, Moresche and Montgomery all issued minimum sanctions whilst club calls for consistency across the league". Central Coast Mariners. 27 February 2023.
  26. ^ D'Urbano, Nick (28 April 2023). "Adelaide United 1 vs Central Coast Mariners 4". KEEPUP.
  27. ^ Abel, Jason (16 May 2023). "Kaltak man of the match in A-league semi-final". Vanuatu Daily Post.
  28. ^ "Mariners qualify for Grand Final after 4-1 aggregate win over Adelaide". Central Coast Mariners. 21 May 2023.
  29. ^ Rugari, Vince (3 June 2023). "Cummings gets last laugh as Mariners destroy City to win A-League title". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  30. ^ "Vanuatu pioneer Kaltak revels in A-League glory". ESPN. Australian Associated Press. 4 June 2023.
  31. ^ "Brian Kaltak". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  32. ^ Abel, Jason. "Kaltak excited for World Cup qualifiers". Vanuatu Daily Post. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  33. ^ "Tahiti vs. Vanuatu – Football Match Summary – March 17, 2022". Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  34. ^ Natoga, Anasilini. "National football elite captain Brian Kaltak signs for new FIFA documentary". Vanuatu Daily Post. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  35. ^ "Kaltacks primed for Vanuatu bid". oceaniafootball.com. 27 May 2016. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  36. ^ "Vanuatu squad set for Nation Cup". Vanuatu Football Federation. 12 May 2012. Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  37. ^ "New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu - #CommittoQuit #WorldNoTobaccoDay2021 Meet Vanuatu's Brian Kaltak who plays for Auckland City FC. Brian joined Auckland City FC in October 2018 and, as part World No Tobacco Day 2021, he encourages all athletes and young people to avoid smoking. "Live always a healthy lifestyle and stay away from tobacco," Brian said. This year the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2021 is 'Commit to Quit'. World No Tobacco Day 2021 raises awareness to help reduce the use of tobacco and protect the health of the people. Below is a photo of Brian. Brian Kaltak Vanuatu Football Federation | Facebook". www.facebook.com.
  38. ^ a b "FIFA launches FIFA+ to bring free football entertainment to fans everywhere". FIFA. 12 April 2022. Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  39. ^ Zaazaa, Bassam (14 October 2022). "Lebanon's captain Hassan Maatouk to star in Netflix football documentary". Arab News. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  40. ^ Harrington, Anna (4 June 2023). "Vanuatu football pioneer Kaltak delights in ALM triumph". Armidale Express. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  41. ^ Larkin, Steve (29 May 2023). "City's Bos leads PFA A-League Men team of the season". Narromine News. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  42. ^ "Brian Kaltak Maaumir Awarded with Medal of Honor". Prime Minister of Vanuatu. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  43. ^ "Brian Kaltak Mwaumir awarded National Honor Second Class Medal by Head of State".
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