Central Coast Mariners have today bolstered their strike force for the Hyundai A-League 2014-15 season with the addition of Senegalese international Malick Mané on a one-season loan deal from leading Swedish Allsvenskan outfit IFK Göteborg.
A powerfully built and pacey marksman, Mané commenced his professional career in his homeland with Casa Sports, before shifting to Europe and enjoying spells in two of Scandinavia’s top flights, the Allsvenskan and the Norwegian Tippeligaen.
Born in Ziguinchor, Senegal, 25-year-old Mané linked with Göteborg earlier this year for €600,000 having impressed during his time with Sogndal Fotball between 2012 and 2014.
Indeed, the forward averaged a handy goal every four games for Sogndal during his two-year spell at the Club – his form earning him an international call up for the Lions of Teranga in 2012.
Today, Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss said he is excited to have a player of Mané’s calibre joining his squad, and that he is sure that the former Sogndal striker will add depth and quality to his team’s front third.
“We’ve been looking for dynamic, attacking players during our recruitment process and Malick certainly possess the attributes we’ve been looking for,” Moss said.
“He’s a very powerful player, he’s pacey, he’s good in one on one situations, and he’s a natural finisher, so we’re delighted to have finalised his loan move.”
From Sweden, Mané said that he is happy with his loan move to the Mariners, and described himself as a team player.
“My attributes are that I work hard for the team, and try and do everything for the team – especially scoring goals,” Mané said. “(Alessandro) Del Piero played in Australia, so I am happy to play my football there.”
“I have read that Central Coast Mariners is a very good team, so I will be happy to represent the Club.”
Moss said that it is crucial that he and his coaching staff take their time during each transfer window in order to add the best possible players to the Mariners’ squad.
“As we showed in the January transfer window, we’re simply not going to rush in and sign players for the sake of it,” he said. “We need to do our due diligence, especially with foreign players, and ensure that the right players are being the offered the opportunity to join our Club.”
“We have spoken to Malick on a number of occasions and have outlined the culture of our Club and what’s expected of every Mariners player. We are confident that he is coming to Australia for the right reasons and with the ambition to help us succeed in the Hyundai A-League.”
“Along with Mitchell Duke, Matt Simon, Nick Fitzgerald, Isaka Cernak and Tom Slater, Malick Mané provides us with another strong option in attack. And, we hope to have another attacking recruit finalised over the coming days.”
Malick Mané is due to arrive in Australia later this month. The Club will advise when the Senegalese striker will arrive on the Central Coast in due course.
Malick Mané
Position: Forward
Nationality: Senegalese
Date of Birth: 14 October 1988 (Age: 25)
Joins from: IFK Göteborg (Sweden) on loan until the end of Hyundai A-League 2014-15
Previous Clubs: Sogndal Fotball (Norway), FK Aktobe (Kazakhstan), Sandefjord Fotball (Norway), Casa Sports (Senegal)
