Wellington Phoenix have filled the final visa spot on their Ninja A-League roster, signing 29-year-old Algeria international Imane Chebel on a one-year deal.
Born in Canada, Chebel played football at Concordia University in Montreal and has joined the ‘Nix from Brazilian club Flamengo after stints at top-flight clubs in Kazakhstan, France and Norway.
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A ball-playing, left-sided central defender, Chebel fit the profile of what Phoenix head coach Paul Temple was searching for after he “looked at 50-plus centre-backs” before signing the Algeria international.
“I was getting very picky,” Temple said. “I was pretty convinced I needed a centre-back that was really balanced on that left-hand side, and somebody that could play out from the back and play our style.
“With Imane not only are we getting the player that fits our style on the pitch, but we’re getting a really experienced and mature person off of it as well.”
“Imane is another really high-quality centre back, adding to the ones that we’ve already got. We’ve got Mackenzie Barry, Rebecca Lake and Tiana Jaber who are the centre backs in the squad that have proven themselves at this level, and we’ve got Ella McMillan coming through as an up-and-coming defender.
“No matter what the combination is of those five we’re pretty confident we’ll put out a strong backline, and there’ll be competition for places which is always good when you’re trying to push the team into playoff contention.”
Imane could debut for the club as early as Sunday afternoon when the Phoenix face Canberra United at Porirua Park.
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The latest arrival at the Phoenix says the opportunity to visit a new part of the world was a key factor in her decision to join a club where she is confident of making an impact.
“I’d never been to this part of the world so I thought it would be a great experience and a great challenge to try something completely different,” Chebel said.
“When I spoke to Paul, I really liked his ideas and I liked how he sees the game. I really related to him.
“And I think the A-League is a growing league and I’ve heard a lot about it over the last few months, how it’s getting better and better.”
“I like to be on the ball and play out from the back. I guess I’m a smart player and I’m experienced so hopefully I can bring that and every little thing I’ve picked up in different countries to the Phoenix.”
“Honestly, I’m feeling good. I’m so motivated by this new challenge that I feel ready.
“I wouldn’t have said yes to joining the Phoenix if I didn’t feel like I was ready to take on this new challenge. My time with the national team kind of gave me an extra boost and now I feel more ready.”
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Match details
Sunday, 2pm (AEDT): Wellington Phoenix v Canberra United
Porirua Park – Paramount+ / 10 Play
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