Mariners forward Sam Silvera believes he is finding his feet at Hyundai A-League level and is enjoying the experience as he does.
Silvera has caught the eye of fans with some strong performances in the early rounds of the league, having signed with the club in pre-season and caused all sorts of problems for the Western United backline in Sunday’s 1-0 victory in Gosford.
“The first game I was just getting used to the A-League level and speed,” he said.
“But now I’m progressing, I’m getting more comfortable, and it’s good for me and I really am loving it.”
“The atmosphere and the fans, it’s great playing for the fans, and I’m enjoying being on the park with the boys, they’re a really good group to play with.”
Silvera’s pace and direct running has seen him in the top bracket of the competition for fouls won, something he did with great impact against Western United on Sunday afternoon at Central Coast Stadium.
The 19-year old was joined in the starting lineup by fellow youngsters Gianni Stensness and Lewis Miller, with Josh Nisbet coming off the bench as Alen Stajcic put his faith in the Mariners youth, and Silvera said it has meant a lot to receive the trust of the coaching staff.
Dreams coming true on the central coast. ?
Four scholarship players took the field for the @CCMariners Mariners on Sunday. ?#ALeague pic.twitter.com/rgqUzt4u4G
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) November 27, 2019
“It’s great that the club is showing faith in us to go out and show what we can do,” he said.
“The young boys, myself and the others, all performed well on Sunday and did the job we were asked, and it’s great to see Lewis and Nizzy getting a chance at this level on the weekend.”
Silvera and the Mariners will head to Brisbane on Friday to take on the Roar, and the winger will be keen to make his mark again having scored against Brisbane off the bench as the Mariners knocked them out of the FFA Cup earlier this year.
That match will kick-off at 5pm (AEDT) on Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.
