She’s never been to Bluetongue or watched a training session in Tuggerah, but that hasn’t stopped 18-year-old Jakarta resident Wafina Mario from developing her passion for the Central Coast Mariners.
She-s never been to Bluetongue or watched a training session in Tuggerah, but that hasn-t stopped 18-year-old Jakarta resident Wafina Mario from developing her passion for the Central Coast Mariners.
Wafina drove from Jakarta to Bandung this week to meet her favourite Hyundai A-League side at the team hotel.
A passionate Football Manager player, Wafina originally played as English giants Liverpool on the popular game, before deciding to test out her virtual managerial skills in one of the world-s burgeoning football competitions.
Wafina was fired from her first managerial post with Perth Glory on the game, however her dismissal from the purple-whites proved to be blessing in disguise as she took up a vacancy with the Mariners.
Wafina has now played five seasons as coach of Central Coast, guiding the team to a number of finals appearances and trophies – just like the Club-s real life manager, Graham Arnold.
When Wafina heard the Mariners were going to be in Indonesia for the 2013 Menpora Cup, she just had to meet the team.
“I picked the Mariners because of their logo, which I think is cool, and they were good in the league to I opted for Central Coast,” she said. “I read about them on Wikipedia and on the website, and they are a young Club doing great in the league.”
“I fell in love with the Club.”
Wafina arrived at the team hotel with a poster welcoming the team to Indonesia, which was signed by the squad.
She got the chance to chat with her favourite player, Mile Sterjovski, and had photos with some of the coaching staff as well as youngsters Anthony Caceres and Hayden Morton.
As well as Sterjovski, Wafina is a big fan of left back Joshua Rose.
She was disappointed when gun goalkeeper Mathew Ryan departed the Club, however acknowledged it was time for the young custodian to test himself in Europe.
Thanks for your support, Wafina!
