Words: Michael Flynn

Western Pride’s Ajdin Fetahagic has signed his first professional contract with Bosnian-Herzegovinian club FK Velez Mostar.

The 18-year-old defender has signed a one-year deal, with the club maintaining an option for a second season should Fetahagic impress.

Fetahagic joins a growing list of players to graduate from PLayStation 4 NPL Queensland to the professional ranks and is the first Pride player to make the switch to Europe in the club’s three year history.

FK Velez Mostar was founded in 1922 and currently compete in the Premijer Liga - the top division of football in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The club counts two wins in the former Yugoslav Cup competition amongst their honours.

Fetahagic departed Pride in June to trial with FK Zeljeznicar, however ultimately sealed a deal with their Premijer Liga rivals.

A product of the Queensland Academy of Sport, Fetahagic said he was delighted to sign with the club.

“Signing on is a relief to say the least, it was my goal coming over here so now that it's over I can focus on the training side of things rather than the contract,” Fetahagic said.

Fetahagic said his stint in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland - starting in all 10 of his appearances in the 2015 campaign with Pride after making a lone appearance of the bench with QAS in 2013 - had provided a solid platform to advance.

“I believe the NPL is a great stepping stone for players wishing to further their game,” Fetahagic explained.

“It helped me out because as an 18 year old (at Pride) it was my first season playing in a senior men's league and it was a good challenge week in week out. “

“My stint in the NPL was definitely important with regards to maturing as a young player, because you're up against players a lot older and more experienced so you're always learning and it's a tough challenge.”

Fetahagic added that he was aware that he still has a long way to go to fulfil his ambition of playing at the highest levels possible in seasons to come.

“My aim at the moment is working hard in training in order to play as often as I can and then it's my job to perform consistently and keep my spot in the team,” he concluded.