Our Coaches

Nathan Cranney

Director of Football + Mens First Team Head Coach

Behind the Men’s First Team and the wider football programme at Coast is Director of Football and Men’s First Team Head Coach, Nathan Cranney.

Nathan brings a wealth of coaching and football development experience, having worked across grassroots, youth, senior and representative football in Auckland. He has also played an important role in developing football pathways and supporting coaches across the club.

At Coast, Nathan is passionate about developing players, building strong football environments and creating clear pathways from youth football through to senior football. His approach is centred around high standards, player development, strong culture and making sure football remains connected to the wider Coast community.

As Men’s First Team Head Coach, Nathan has led the side with a clear focus on tactical development, player growth and building a team that represents the values of Hibiscus Coast AFC.

Caleb Ward

Womens First Team Head Coach

After spending many years as a player, injuries led Caleb into coaching, where he quickly discovered a passion for helping players develop and reach their potential. Throughout his coaching journey, he has worked in a variety of environments, won trophies, and helped establish football programmes.

For Caleb, the people are what make HBCAFC special. He enjoys being part of a positive environment and seeing players grow both on and off the field.

A supporter of Crewe Alexandra, Caleb's favourite footballers of all time are Jordan Henderson, early-2000s Will Locking, and Anna Leat.

Away from football, he's been told he creates excellent Keynote presentations. And when it comes to the next FIFA World Cup winner? His prediction is simple: whoever wins the final.

Henry Harding

Womens First Team Assistant Coach

After playing football until the age of 21, most recently with Bay Olympic, Henry began his coaching journey at Westlake Girls High School. After a year of coaching, he decided to fully commit to the pathway and is now in his second year studying Sport Management and Youth Development. Alongside his role at HBCAFC, he also coaches a number of teams at Westlake Girls.

For Henry, the people are what make HBCAFC special, with both the players and staff creating a great environment to be part of. His favourite aspect of coaching is seeing players develop not only as footballers but also as people.

A supporter of Dorking Wanderers, Henry's favourite footballer is Curtis Jones.

Jeremie Bouvet

10th Grade Development Team (Maradona)

Jeremie Bouvet joins the club with extensive experience across Auckland football. His coaching journey has included roles with Auckland Football Federation, Eastern Suburbs AFC, East Coast Bays AFC, Albany United, and several Auckland schools.

Now in his first season at HBCAFC, Jeremie was attracted by the club's strong junior development programme and player-focused approach.

Passionate about junior football, he enjoys helping young players build the technical skills and confidence needed to progress through the game.

A supporter of Stade Malherbe de Caen, Auckland FC, and the French national team, Jeremie's football idol is Zinedine Zidane, whom he once had the opportunity to watch play in person.

Away from football, the whole Bouvet family is involved in the game, making for busy but enjoyable weekends.

Ilia Zigheimat

U10 junior development program Coach

Ilia Zigheimat coaches in HBCAFC's Mixed Development Centre and U10 Junior Development Programme and is currently in his second year with the club.

As a player, Ilia competed in the Northern League, U23 Premier Division, and NRFL Division 1. His coaching journey began with Northern Rovers and Forrest Hill Milford before joining HBCAFC, where he coached the U12 Best Team through the Junior Development Programme.

For Ilia, the community spirit and connectedness of HBCAFC are what make the club special. He is passionate about helping young players develop not only as footballers but also as future adults.

A supporter of Sydney FC, Ilia's favourite footballer is Neymar.

Away from football, he is a proud owner of a German Shepherd and a self-confessed dog lover. 

Adam Dickinson

Kane U12s Coach

Adam has been involved with HBCAFC for more than five years, serving as Director of Football, First Team Coach, and now youth coach.

Adam brings an exceptional football background to the club, having played professionally and semi-professionally for clubs including Tranmere Rovers, Auckland City FC, Waitakere United, Canterbury United, Birkenhead United, Western Springs, and Hibiscus Coast AFC. His playing highlights include winning five OFC Champions League titles, two New Zealand league titles, and appearing in four FIFA Club World Cups.

Holding a NZ Football B Licence, Adam is passionate about helping young players develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game. Having coached the same group for the past three years, he particularly enjoys seeing players put into practice what they have worked on during training and watching their growth both on and off the field.

For Adam, HBCAFC's unique location makes it special. With the ocean as a backdrop to the club's pitches, he believes there are few better football settings in New Zealand.

A lifelong Liverpool supporter, Adam names Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi as his favourite players of all time, describing them as footballers who made the impossible look easy.

Away from football, Adam is proud to have represented Auckland City FC at four FIFA Club World Cups, once holding the record for the most appearances by an English player before being surpassed by Harry Kane. 

Alena Rumanova

U12 Girls, Fantails 4-9, and TDP Girls

Originally from Slovakia, Alena has been involved in football since she was 6 years old. She played in the Slovak Women's 2nd League for clubs including Humenné and Martin, primarily as a centre-back and defender. Alongside her playing career, she has spent the last five years coaching youth football and helping develop young players through both teams and football camps.

For Alena, HBCAFC stands out because of its positive culture, strong sense of community, and the genuine passion people have for helping players grow on and off the field.

She loves coaching because it allows her to stay connected to the game while sharing her experience with the next generation. Watching young players improve, gain confidence, and enjoy football is what she finds most rewarding.

A huge admirer of Lionel Messi, Alena considers him the greatest footballer of all time and, as a result, has a soft spot for FC Barcelona. She also names Roberto Carlos as one of her favourite retired players for the way he revolutionised the full-back position.