Sasha Kuzevski (born 27 March 2001) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a wing back for Central Coast Mariners.

Club career

Central Coast Mariners

Kuzevski, a Central Coast native, joined the youth academy of local A-League club Central Coast Mariners at the age of 12.[1] During his teenage years, Kuzevski spent time at APIA Leichhardt and Marconi Stallions before returning to the Mariners as a 16 year old.[2]

Kuzevski worked his way up through the age groups of the Mariners academy, and was part of the team that won the U20s NPL2 Grand Final in 2020.[3][4] In 2022, Kuzevski was part of the academy's first grade team which won the NSW League One premiership and achieved promotion to the National Premier Leagues NSW competition for the following season,[5] and also played in the League One Grand Final at the end of that season,[6] which the Mariners lost to St George City.[7]

Kuzevski received a scholarship contract from the club to be part of their first team squad for the 2022-23 A-League season.[8] Kuzevski made his A-League debut on 17 December 2022, in a home victory over Sydney FC,[9] and a month later had his scholarship extended until the end of the season.[10] That season turned out to be a highly successful one, as Kuzevski was part of the Mariners' 2022-23 championship winning squad.[11][12]

In June 2023, Kuzevski ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and also suffered a Meniscus tear, ruling him out for a year.[13] Whilst unable to play due to his recovery from injury, Kuzevski was part of the Mariners squad that won the 2023-24 A-League premiership and championship and 2023-24 AFC Cup.[14][15][16]

Having successfully recovered from his injuries, Kuzevski was upgraded to a full A-League contract with the Mariners for the 2024-25 season.[17][18] Kuzevski made his return to competitive football on 29 June 2024, captaining the Mariners' NPL first grade team in a 3-0 victory over North West Sydney Spirit at Pluim Park,[19] and his return to the Mariners senior team in a 2024 Australia Cup tie against Heidelberg United FC on 7 August 2024.[20]

Honours

Central Coast Mariners

References

  1. ^ ""I love the club, and this is where I want to be" – Sasha Kuzevski ready to earn his stripes". Central Coast Mariners FC. 6 July 2022.
  2. ^ ""I love the club, and this is where I want to be" – Sasha Kuzevski ready to earn his stripes". Central Coast Mariners FC. 6 July 2022.
  3. ^ ""I love the club, and this is where I want to be" – Sasha Kuzevski ready to earn his stripes". Central Coast Mariners FC. 6 July 2022.
  4. ^ "Central Coast Mariners Academy Crowned 2020 NPL 2 NSW Men's Champions". Football NSW. 11 October 2020.
  5. ^ "Academy Men's First Grade and U20s Claim League One Premiership and Club Championship". Central Coast Mariners FC. 8 August 2022.
  6. ^ "Kuzevski has eyes on clinching the double". Football NSW. 30 August 2022.
  7. ^ "Mariners fall in League One Grand Finals". Central Coast Mariners FC. 5 September 2022.
  8. ^ "TAG Foundation extends Mariners scholarship agreement". Central Coast Mariners FC. 26 September 2022.
  9. ^ "From the Mariners academy to A-League Men's football. A debut to remember for Sasha Kuzevski last night!". Central Coast Mariners. 18 December 2022 – via Instagram.
  10. ^ "Kuzevski's scholarship extended, Bayliss and Hong secure new scholarships". Central Coast Mariners FC. 18 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Central Coast Mariners stun Melbourne City in A-League Men's Grand Final thrashing". ABC News (Australia). 3 June 2023.
  12. ^ "What a season, What a group". Sasha Kuzevski. 6 June 2023 – via Instagram.
  13. ^ "Been a very difficult few weeks for myself". Sasha Kuzevski. 26 June 2023 – via Instagram.
  14. ^ "Central Coast Mariners secure A-league Men's premier's plate with win over Adelaide United". ABC News (Australia). 2 February 2024.
  15. ^ "Central Coast Mariners become first Australian club to win AFC Cup". ABC News (Australia). 6 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Epic scenes as Mariners complete historic A-League fairytale in extra-time thriller". Fox Sports (Australia). 26 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Academy Product Sasha Kuzevski Upgraded to A-League Contract". Central Coast Mariners FC. 10 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Resilience pays off as 'blessed' Mariners academy product signs first pro deal: 'Special club'". aleagues.com.au. 10 July 2024.
  19. ^ "Mariners survival continues with big victory over Spirit FC". National Premier Leagues NSW. 29 June 2024.
  20. ^ "After being sidelined for over a year with an ACL injury, local Coastie Sasha Kuzevski returned to first team action for the first time in 515 days last night". Central Coast Mariners FC. 8 August 2024 – via Instagram.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasha_Kuzevski
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