Westfield FFA Cup hero for Heidelberg Kenjok “Kenny” Athiu has been snapped up on a season-long loan by Melbourne Victory.
Athiu has made 92 appearances for the NPL champions, scoring 57 goals in all competitions over the past three seasons.
The 24-year-old, who arrived in Australia aged 11 having fled war-torn South Sudan, has been on the radar of Melbourne Victory Head Coach Kevin Muscat for some time.
“It’s pretty clear to anyone who’s watched Kenny play that he’s an exciting prospect,” said Muscat.
“He provides a huge physical presence, but is also really quick across the ground and is good with the ball at his feet – just what you want from a striker.
“There’s no doubt it’s going to be a big step up for him moving into the professional ranks, but we couldn’t ask for him to have a better mentor than Besart Berisha, who I’m sure will take him under his wing.”
Athiu successfully completed a medical assessment at Victory headquarters on Friday morning and will present for training on Monday.
