Jitka Klimkova is leaving Canberra United. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
Canberra United's championship-winning coach Jitka Klimkova has left the national capital to take charge of the New Zealand women's under-17 national team.
Klimkova will lead the Young Football Ferns as they try to qualify for the 2014 under-17 World Cup in Costa Rica in March, while she will also be the assistant coach for the New Zealand under-20s women's team.
The former Czech Republic international was an instant success in her two seasons in charge of Canberra United, guiding the club to its inaugural W-League title in 2011-12 while also making the finals last year.
Klimkova had applied for the vacant Matildas coaching job, but was overlooked in favour of Hesterine de Reus.
"Whilst it's disappointing for Canberra United and Australian football fans that we've lost such a terrific coach to the Kiwis, we support Jitka and her desire to lead a team to a FIFA World Cup," Canberra United chief executive Heather Reid said.
"We understand the angst and difficulties that she faced in making the decision to reach for her dream of leading a team in an international competition and we wish her all the best over the next year."
Canberra United hopes to have a replacement coach finalised by the end of May.
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