NPL Victoria soccer: FFA Cup hero Tasuku Sekiya joins Avondale FC
He was the architect of one of the greatest upsets in FFA Cup history and Tasuku Sekiya’s new coach has tipped the Japanese star will take NPL Victoria by storm.
Local Sport
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He was the architect of one of the greatest upsets in FFA Cup history and Tasuku Sekiya’s new coach has tipped the Japanese star will take NPL Victoria by storm.
Sekiya, who scored twice as NSW state league club Apia Leichardt knocked A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory out of the FFA Cup in the Round of 16, has signed with grand finalist Avondale FC.
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The 26-year-old has moved to Victoria after netting 15 goals from 26 matches in NPL NSW last season.
Avondale FC coach Zoran Markovski said Sekiya would likely be playing for an A-League club if there was no limit on overseas signings.
“He will take the league by storm,” Markovski said.
“He’s got a great attitude and he trains like a professional.”
Sekiya’s arrival is a major boost for the club after the departures of prolific duo Kaine Sheppard (Newcastle Jets) and Elvis Kamsoba (Melbourne Victory) to A-League clubs.
“He can play anywhere in the front third,” Markovski said.
“He’s just really technical, he makes smart runs and gets in good areas where he can cause havoc for opposition defenders.
“He’s one I am really rapt to even watch train, let alone play.”
Sekiya is the major signing for Avondale FC, which went down 2-1 to Heidelberg United in last season’s decider.
The club has also unveiled versatile wing-back Brandon Lundy (Apia Leichardt), central defender Matthew Reid (Moreland City), Yusuf Ahmed (Melbourne City), former Perth Glory player Stefan Valentini (Germany) and young gun Jye Spiteri (Green Gully).
Markovski said Lundy, a player previously listed with Newcastle Jets, was “very versatile”.
“He’s another really good talent that can step up to the next level too I think,” he said. “Strong, aggressive, really mobile defender that loves to bomb on and get crosses in the box. His work rate is phenomenal.”
The arrival of Reid helps alleviate the defensive concerns created by Ross Archibald’s move to promoted side Altona Magic.
“He had a good season with Moreland City,” Markovski said.
“He won their player of the year. His attitude is brilliant.
“He’s aggressive as a defender, tall and good in the air.”
Avondale FC kicks off its campaign on Friday, February 15 against Dandenong City.
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