A-League: Charles M’Mombwa keen to impress, Macarthur v WS Wanderers

He has a name difficult to say but this footballer is hoping to make such a mark for new club Macarthur FC it will be on everyone’s lips.

Charles M’Mombwa wants to make a big impression for Macarthur. Pic: Supplied.

When Charles M’Mombwa signed with the new A-League club Macarthur Bulls he came complete with his own fan base.

Friends, relatives, his parents and six siblings.

The Liverpool local said he can’t wait to turn out for the new club and is thrilled at the opportunity to play afforded to him by coach Ante Milicic.

Born in the Congo, raised in Zimbabwe and then bought to Sydney’s west at age nine. M’Mombwa wants to be the local boy done good.

Mark Milligan of Macarthur FC poses with Kwame Yeboah of Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of their opening game of the A-league season.

“It’s very exciting. Macarthur is where I live. It’s my backyard,” said the 24-year-old who was originally part of the Central Coast Mariners Academy.

“I was very happy to get the call from Ante and signing was unbelievable. I really couldn’t believe it.

“I was on trial for about a month and we had a game against Sydney FC and I did pretty well.

“Ante came to me and he was unsure because the squad was getting big. He didn’t know if he could sign me.

“The that very same day he called me and said I have found a way to get you in.

“I was so relieved, you have no idea. I got the phone call and honestly me heart stopped. I was out of words”.

Ante Milicic with the Matildas earlier this year.

Charles M’Mombwa wants to make a big impression for Macarthur. Pic: Supplied.

M’Mombwa said the faith Milicic has put in him has motivated him for a breakout season with the Bulls.

“I want to do Macarthur proud. I want to show Ante and everyone, my family and friends, they have made a good move,’’ he said.

“I don’t want to be just a number. I want to be a big part of this.”

The Bulls kick off their campaign against Western Sydney on Wednesday, with Mark Milligan captaining the new side.

The 80-cap Socceroo is among a strong cohort of recruits for the club’s debut season which also includes ex-Athletic Bilbao duo Markel Susaeta and Beñat Etxebarria.

Macarthur FC team: Tommy Oar, midfielder, Denis Genreau, midfielder, Adam Federici, goalkeeper, Mark Milligan, midfielder, Matt Derbyshire, forward, Milislav Popovic, forward, Ivan Franjic, defender, Nick Suman, goalkeeper, Aleksandar Susnjar, defender, Moudi Najjar, midfielder, loaned from Melbourne City, Jake Hollman, midfielder, Aleksandar Jovanovic, defender, Loïc Puyo, midfielder, Antonis Martis, midfielder, Michael Ruhs, midfielder, Liam Rose, midfielder, Jake McGing, defender, Beñat Etxebarria, midfielder, Markel Susaeta, attacker, Charles M’Mombwa, attacker, Yianni Nicolaou, defender, Walter Scott, defender, Antony Golec, defender, James Meredith, defender.

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Originally published as A-League: Charles M’Mombwa keen to impress, Macarthur v WS Wanderers