FOOTBALL
The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed their first international signing ahead of the 2022/23 season in the form of Ghanaian striker, Paul Ayongo.
With four years of experience in the Portuguese leagues, 25-year-old Ayongo is set to join the Mariners on a two-year contract in time to take part in the team’s Australia Cup Round of 32 match against Sydney FC.
After migrating to Portugal from Ghana at 16 years of age, Ayongo soon found a place with third division side, Amarentre FC, and was later scouted by Primeira Liga team, Paços de Ferreira for the 2018/19 season.
Here, Ayongo scored four times in the top division before being loaned out to CD Mafra where he scored and assisted four goals respectively.
Over the past two seasons, he has played in 67 games for second tier Portuguese club, Académico Viseu FC, wherein he created 21 goals, scoring 18 and assisting three.
Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery believes the striker will heighten the quality and competition within his first team attacking third.
“Paul has been on our scouting list since I was promoted to the A-League last season,” Monty said.
“We know the player well and after his name came across our scouting network multiple times, Sergio and I arranged a zoom call to convince him that the Mariners would be a good move for him and his career.
“Paul is a very popular player at his previous clubs, due largely to his outstanding work rate and his honesty on and off the pitch.
“One thing we know about Paul is that he won’t back down and with his arrival, it will create more competition for places within our forward line, which pushes everyone to be better and is the only way to be successful.
“We successfully fought off interest from other clubs in Europe and Asia for Paul and I’m delighted that we can secure his signature for the next two years.”
Ayongo’s next challenge will be integrating into a new club in a new country, and is excited for the chance to make himself a well-known Central Coast name.
“I am really looking forward to coming to Australia and making an impact on the A-League and hopefully scoring a few goals in the process,” Ayongo said.
“I’ve heard great things about the Central Coast and I am excited to get to know the boys and work with Monty and Sergio (Sergio Raimundo – Assistant Coach).”
Haakon Barry