17 players left. Now Dandenong Thunder have their coach and he's one of their own

Dandenong Thunder's dramatic mid-season rebuild has a new leader.

Almost two months after parting ways with Adam Piddick and days after announcing the departure of 17 players, the relegation-threatened NPL Victoria club have officially confirmed Ilir Qaniu as their senior coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.

While Qaniu has overseen the senior side throughout the past month, Wednesday's announcement formally confirmed the proud club figure as the man tasked with steering Thunder through the closing stages of a turbulent campaign.

A lifelong supporter and local product, Qaniu has represented Dandenong Thunder both on and off the pitch over many years.

The club believe those ties, combined with his leadership and commitment, make him the right person to guide the senior side through one of the most challenging periods in their recent history.

Qaniu will be supported by Andy Elderton as senior assistant coach and Semir Zekiri as team manager.

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The appointment continues a period of sweeping change at Thunder.

Following Piddick's departure in May, the club endured a difficult run of results before embarking on one of the biggest mid-season squad overhauls seen in recent NPL Victoria seasons, releasing 17 players ahead of a significant recruitment drive.

Now, with a new coaching structure in place and fresh faces expected to arrive, Thunder hope the reset can spark a turnaround in their fight to retain their place in Victoria's top flight.

Thunder sit 13th in the standings, seven points adrift of safety through 18 rounds.