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Jakov Malbasa is leaving NPL NSW to drop two divisions and the reason goes far beyond football
By Sacha Pisani1 October 2026
Jakov Malbasa is leaving NPL NSW and dropping two divisions for 2027.
On the surface, it is an unusual move for an attacking talent coming off an impressive season in the state’s top flight. But for Malbasa, returning to Bonnyrigg White Eagles was never simply a football decision.
The former Bonnyrigg junior has signed with the League Two club after helping SD Raiders through their inaugural NPL NSW campaign, choosing to return to a place carrying a connection far deeper than the badge.
“Coming back to Bonnyrigg feels special,” Malbasa told HIGHPRESS.
“It’s a club that I’ve always had a connection with, so when the opportunity came up to return, it felt right. I’m at a stage where I want to enjoy my football, compete and contribute to a club that means something to me.”
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That connection is also deeply personal.
Malbasa’s brother passed away while playing for Bonnyrigg, forever linking his family to the club and giving his return to the White Eagles a significance difficult to measure in divisions or footballing opportunity.
“Bonnyrigg will always mean more to me than just football,” Malbasa said.
“My brother passed away while he was playing for this club, so there’s an emotional connection to Bonnyrigg that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
“Coming back here carries a meaning that is difficult to put into words. Every time I put on the Bonnyrigg shirt, I know I’m representing something that my brother was once a part of too.
“In a way, returning feels like I’m carrying a piece of him onto the pitch with me.
“It makes this chapter incredibly personal, and I want to make him and my family proud every time I wear the badge.”
Malbasa grew up within Bonnyrigg’s junior pathway and remembers watching senior matches from the stands, surrounded by the crowds and passion that have long defined the White Eagles.
He returns with considerably more experience, and a different appreciation for what the club represents.
“When you’re younger, you probably don’t appreciate those moments as much as you should,” he said.
“Coming back now, I understand the history, the people and what the badge means a lot more.”
“I’m proud to be back and I want to give everything I can for the club.”
For Bonnyrigg, it represents a significant recruit as the former national-league club looks to make their way back up the NSW football pyramid.
For Malbasa, the motivation is much simpler.
“The biggest thing for me was the connection I already have with the club,” he said.
“I know what Bonnyrigg represents, I know the expectations that come with wearing the shirt, and I wanted to be part of that again.
“There’s a lot of history here and I’m excited to come back and hopefully add another good chapter to it.”
