Western United hat-trick hero Noah Botić openly paid tribute to Jesus Christ in a nationally televised post match interview following last weekend’s A League Men’s elimination final triumph over Adelaide United.
The 23 year-old Australian Croatian attacker was the talk of the town this week, after his spectacular individual feat in the 3-2 defeat of the South Australians at Western United’s Ironbark Stadium last Friday night.
The former Sydney United junior had a hand in scoring all three goals – although the official stats suggest one of his goals was an own goal – which thrust the Green and Blacks one step closer to this season’s A League Grand Final.
Western United will tackle Melbourne City in a two legged semi final, with the first leg to be contested this Friday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park. The winner will progress to the season decider.
Post match, when quizzed by Ten Network/Paramount Plus presenter Tara Rushton what the goal celebration following his first goal meant, Botić revealed he is a big believer in God.
“That was a cross. I am a big believer in my faith,” Botić proudly told the live national television audience.
“I am a big follower of Jesus and he’s given me everything possible in this life,” exclaimed Botić, who has scored an incredible 15 goals in the A League this season and concluded the regular season in third spot on the top goalscorers’ chart.
“He’s given me strength, so I am truly grateful to him for being in my life,” continued Botić.
“He’s given me the strength to go out and perform week in, week out. And I ask the same of my teammates, so he’s watching over us.”
In a recent interview with News Limited, Botić credited his faith in God for helping him deal with any hurdles he has had to overcome in football, such as being snubbed for Socceroos’ selection earlier this year.
The 23-year-old is a free agent at season’s end and has been rather tight-lipped about his future, despite growing speculation he is set to move to Europe in the off season.
“I’m not going to say too much, but if this was the last time playing at Ironbark (for Western United), it’s been a pleasure playing here, especially in front of these fans,” Botić said in the post match press conference.
Another Aussie Croat footballer celebrating his faith
Botić isn’t the only Australian Croatian footballer in recent times to have openly celebrated his Christian faith, with Macarthur FC’s Tomislav Uskok proudly professing the fact that he is a proud, practising Catholic in a series of media articles last year.
According to an article by Sacha Pisani at aleague.com.au, when it comes to Macarthur FC defender Tomislav Uskok, there is more to him than meets the eye.
“Not only has he been part of the club’s resurgence in the A-League, but he is a man of deep faith as a Catholic,” wrote Pisani.
According to the Pisani, it is an unwavering belief that Uskok is not ashamed of.
“I don’t shy away from it,” the former Melbourne Knights and Sydney United defender proudly exclaimed.
“I try to be faithful to Christ and it’s probably not something people really want to talk about or (are) fond of in today’s society but I’m not ashamed.”
In a separate article in the Catholic Weekly, Uskok reiterated his firm stance in his Christian faith.
“I just humble myself to know (that) I can do everything in my control and power to help myself be the best version of myself,” he said.
“But in the end, Christ is in control and the Holy Spirit will take over. That’s all I can do,” concluded Uskok in the Catholic Weekly.
The actions of these two proud Australian Croatian footballers seems to reflect the increasing number of young Croatians – both in the Homeland and the Diaspora – who are re-discovering their Catholic faith in these globally worrying troubled times.
