Central Coast Mariners secure services of Garang Kuol for two seasons

Teenage sensation Garang Kuol is staying loyal to the Central Coast Mariners despite interest from overseas clubs.

Garang Kuol (centre) battles with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. Picture: David Gray / AFP

The Central Coast Mariners claim to have fended off “some of the biggest clubs in world football” to keep teenage prodigy Garang Kuol in Gosford.

Kuol has signed his first professional contract, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Mariners.

Having debuted for the Mariners last season after coming through the club’s academy ranks, the 17-year-old attacker caught the eye with his second-half cameo in the A-League All-Stars’ 3-2 loss to Barcelona last month.

It led to reported interested from overseas clubs, but Kuol elected to further develop his game with the Mariners under coach Nick Montgomery and assistant Sergio Raimundo.

𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗞𝗜 😮

Garang Kuol has committed his future to the club with his first professional contract ✍️

Win a signed Garang Kuol match worn Pink Round jersey: https://t.co/kE349174ZX#CCMFC // #WontBackDown // #BangGarang

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) June 23, 2022

“‘Monty’ and Serg have had belief in me since day one which something I will never forget,” Kuol said.

“Football is my No.1 goal in life so I just want to be playing consistently and I am very excited to be here alongside a great bunch of boys and can’t wait for next season.

“This is only the start for me and I am keen to develop more, learn more and become a better player under ‘Monty’ and Serg.”

Montgomery said Kuol – the younger brother of ex-Mariners sensation Alou Kuol – was a “massive talent”.

“Garang isn’t fazed by anything and is very level-headed, which is why he made Barcelona seem like an easy assignment, and in the process, being an inspiration for all kids in this country,” the Mariners mentor said.

“It gave our club great pride to see him make the match his own.”

In other A-League news, the Western Sydney Wanderers have signed Congo international Yeni N’gbakoto.

The 30-year-old winger joins the Wanderers from French club Nancy and has also had stints with English outfit Queens Park Rangers and Greek team Panathinaikos.

“I was filled with enthusiasm by the sound of the project at the Wanderers as soon as my agent told me about it,” N’gbakoto said.

“I had spoken to players who played and are still playing in the A-League who had told me good things about the competition.

“Let this new challenge start.”

Originally published as Central Coast Mariners secure services of Garang Kuol for two seasons