The Central Coast Mariners continue to bolster their squad for the new A-League season, announcing the return of Kwabena Appiah-Kubi to Gosford on a one-year deal.
The winger comes back to the Yellow and Navy where he originally tasted success in the Foxtel National Youth League in 2011, part of a Mariners side that featured a number of future stars.
“It feels really good to be back, everyone has welcomed me with open arms.” 🔗 https://t.co/WPjHyeDOK7 #CCMFC pic.twitter.com/wKbek7FTJN
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) July 14, 2016
“It’s very different to when I was here [in 2011], the set up is incredible and it actually took my breath away, it’s a very professional environment,” Appiah said.
“Tony [Walmsley] was the one that took me from playing in the State League and I ended up in the Mariners youth team, he’s helped me a lot and I am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me back then and the opportunity he is giving me now.
After departing the Wanderers, Appiah would sign a contract with Wellington, but the Auckland native’s heart was not fully in the club and he only recorded 16 appearances in a Phoenix strip.
“To be honest, when I left Western Sydney there was only one A-League club I wanted to go to and that was the Central Coast and at the moment I am finally where I want to be,” he said.
“I wanted this reunion earlier but I’ve been elsewhere and at the end of the day I am finally back here which feels unreal.”
Mariners head coach Tony Walmsley believes the 24-four-year old will be able to display his full range of abilities at Gosford Park, also adding to be balance of youth and experience that is looking to be achieved in the squad ahead of the coming season.
“Kwabena has a lot of experience for a young player, including being voted player of the ACL campaign for the Wanderers in 2014 when they were crowned Champions of Asia,” said Walmsley.
“We are confident that this is a perfect environment for him to fulfil his potential. He is ambitious and always wanted to play for the Central Coast Mariners.
“He had a very good trial period, fits our attacking philosophy with outstanding physical attributes and holds a desire to refine his game.”
The Mariners begin their 2016-17 campaign against Green Gully in the FFA Cup Round of 32 on the 2nd of August.
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