Adelaide United can announce Bruce Djite will leave the Club at the end of the A-League 2020/21 season to take up a position as Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Adelaide.
Returning to the Reds as its Director of Football in June 2019, Djite oversaw a resurgence in the Club’s Football Department, helping to re-establish the link between its youth and senior teams, as well as United’s third FFA Cup trophy in 2019.
“Adelaide United always has and will always have a special place in my heart,” Djite said. “I have been fortunate enough to come back to the Club as its Director of Football and have enjoyed working with our phenomenal players, coaching and high performance staff, and administration staff.
“I am proud of the great environment and culture we have rebuilt within the Club and it is fantastic to see the Club return to putting South Australia and South Australians first, whilst still attracting great interstate and international talent.
“I believe the Club is better positioned for growth today than it ever has been and, while there is always further improvement to be made, the re-establishment of the Club’s true identity will continue to see it do well on and off the field.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone involved at Adelaide United including all our members, partners and fans for their support and their commitment to the Club’s development.
“I will be seeing out the rest of the season, ensuring that I leave the Club in a strong position, and look forward to positive Club announcements in the coming weeks.”
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina, praised Djite for his work at the Club, saying: “Bruce’s contribution to Adelaide United cannot be overstated”.
“Amongst many achievements, Bruce has overseen the Club’s transition to a South Australian focused football structure for which we will continue to reap rewards long into the future.
“His leadership of our football program through COVID and the subsequent rebuild has played a significant role in both the on-field and cultural improvements the Club has made in the past 18 months.
“Bruce will be sorely missed, however, just as players move onto bigger opportunities, we also embrace our staff broadening their careers.
“Whilst he now moves onto the next chapter of his professional life, we look forward to welcoming him back to Coopers Stadium as a legend of the club and now a dedicated supporter.”
Adelaide United will now commence its search for a new Director of Football, building on the success of its current mix of exciting South Australians, promising interstate players, and experienced international footballers.
