Circolo Canottieri Ortigia 1928 have confirmed the appointment of Croatian coach Hrvoje Koljanin as the club’s new first-team head coach.
Koljanin will lead the white and greens next season, taking on a new challenge in Italian water polo after recent spells in Greece and Croatia.
Born in 1982, Koljanin began his coaching career at Olympiacos, where he worked as assistant coach to Thodoris Vlachos. In 2018, he became head coach of Vouliagmeni, a role he held until 2022.
After his time in Greece, he moved to Jug, where he spent a year as assistant coach of the first team and head coach of the youth sides. In 2023, Koljanin returned to Olympiacos as head coach of the first team.
During his spell with Olympiacos, the club won two league titles and two national cups, while also finishing third in the Champions League in 2024. In 2025, he left the Greek club to focus on his work with the Croatian Under-18 national team, a role he has held since 2017.
His arrival marks a new chapter for Ortigia, following the work done by Stefano Piccardo. Koljanin joins a club with an established structure and a squad featuring a number of young players looking to make their mark.
Speaking after his appointment, Koljanin said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m very happy and I can’t wait to begin this new adventure,” he said. “It’s a new experience for me, and I hope to continue my success, just as Stefano did before me.
“Coaching in a new country and a new league is, in itself, a great challenge. I know Ortigia is a well-organised club and that there are many young players among its ranks, eager to prove themselves. This will be a very important aspect for me.
“I would like to thank the management and Stefano Piccardo for their trust. See you soon, Ortigia fans!”
Ortigia welcomed Koljanin to the club and wished him success in achieving his personal and professional goals as head coach of the first team.
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