Young Socceroo Faisal joins the Mariners

The Central Coast Mariners have signed 19-year-old forward Abdul Faisal, with the Young Socceroo joining the club on an 18-month deal.

The exciting young winger arrives on the Coast following his departure from Perth Glory, where he signed his first professional contract at the beginning of this season.

After making headlines with Bulls FC Academy, which included him scoring back-to-back hat-tricks in the FNSW League One competition, Faisal hit the ground running in Western Australia.

He scored a double in his first game for the Glory against Brisbane Roar in the Australia Cup Play-off Round, before again finding the back of the net against Melbourne City in their dramatic 5-4 win in the Round of 32.

Off the back of those performances, Faisal was called up to the Young Socceroos for the 2024 Panda Cup in November, a tournament which Australia won after going through undefeated.

The quick and skilful winger now arrives at the Mariners ready to take his football to the next level.

“I am really excited to be here on the Coast,” he said.

“The way that this club develops young players is a huge appeal.

“I’ve seen many others come to the Mariners who have gone on to succeed and I want to be just like that.

“I’m a Sydney boy and I have always seen the Mariners as an incredible club, I want to have an immediate impact here and make the fans happy.

“My aim is to bring goals, assists and creativity to this team.

“I am ready to hit the ground running and when I get my opportunity, I’m going to take it.”

Mariners Head Coach Mark Jackson said the winger brings both A-League experience and an abundance of potential to develop and improve at a rapid rate.

“We look forward to having him with us and see him bringing a lot of value to our squad,” Jackson said.

Faisal has immediately joined up with the squad and will wear the number 21.