Image: Mark Witte

Moreland Zebras have announced Fausto De Amicis as the successor to Danny Gnjidic at the managerial helm for 2017.

The 48-year-old is renowned for his playing career which culminated in 13 Socceroos caps for two goals between 1998 and 2002.

He was a consecutive four-time NSL champion, claiming two titles each with Melbourne Knights and South Melbourne.

In 1998 the defender was awarded the Joe Marsden medal as the best on ground in South Melbourne’s grand final win over Carlton, while he is also a Bill Fleming medallist in Victoria.

The 48-year-old moves from Richmond where he was recently an assistant to Rick Mensink.

He has previously also coached at the likes of Doncaster and Bulleen Lions, the latter at which he enjoyed success with the club’s U20s side.

“I’m excited to be given the opportunity to come back and reunite with Moreland Zebras, the club that gave me the start to my playing career as a junior from U10’s,” De Amicis told the club.

“A lot of time has passed since I moved on in 1992 after going through all my junior and senior development here spanning over 14 years.

“As every successful and well-supported club, it has had great coaches, and I am excited and looking forward to the challenge that is ahead for the new season.”

De Amicis will be tasked with attempting to achieve the club’s first promotion into the top flight in the NPL era, with Gnjidic – who recently signed with Ballarat to replace the outgoing James Robinson – before him narrowly missing out in 2015 via the promotion playoffs.