Welcome to A-Leagues Life, where KEEPUP brings you all the latest news and goings on at your club. This is how the week is shaping up across the A-Leagues and beyond.
Akbari lands at Georgian outfit helmed by former Victory interim coach
Rahmat Akbari has signed for Georgian outfit FC Torpedo Kutaisi after departing Brisbane Roar this week.
The 23-year-old midfielder joins the club until the end of next season after making 82 appearances for the Roar over two stints at the club – sandwiched between a short stint at Melbourne Victory.
Akbari links up with former Victory interim coach Steve Kean – who took over at Kutaisi in May following a stint at Hibernian as Academy Director. The Scotsman took over at Melbourne from Grant Brebner in April 2021, but couldn’t save them from winning their first ever wooden spoon.
Kean also coached Blackburn Rovers between 2010-12 during their last stint in the Premier League.
Kutaisi are currently 6th in the Georgian Erovnuli Liga and are gearing up for the qualification phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they will take on Bosnian side FK Sarajevo in the first of a two-legged tie in a fortnight’s time.
Before then, however, they will be in action in the Georgian Super Cup semi final against Dinamo Butami tomorrow night.
Earlier this year, Akbari candidly told his incredible story in A-Leagues All Access. Watch the full episode below
NPL sides react to Australia Cup draw
The national stages of the 2023 Australia Cup is drawing nearer and nearer, with the draw for the Round of 32 completed overnight.
30 clubs from across the country learned their fate on Wednesday night, headlined by Isuzu UTE A-League premiers Melbourne City being drawn against NPL Victoria champions Oakleigh Cannons in a local derby.
And while there were some who would have been disappointed with the outcome of the draw, there were others that were over the moon.
Look no further than Football NSW League One outfit Inter Lions who will travel up north to face Hellenic Athletic in Darwin and it’s fair to say they were ecstatic when their name was called.
Meanwhile, NPL WA outfit Inglewood United were just hoping for an interstate road trip and their wishes came true as they were drawn against South Australian outfit MetroStars.
Socceroo set to stay in Scotland after Bolton move falls through
Former A-Leagues midfielder Keanu Baccus is set to remain at Scottish outfit St Mirren, after his move to Bolton Wanderers fell through.
Baccus looked set to join the English League One outfit after reports emerged from the UK that the two clubs had agreed upon a transfer fee.
However, according to Renfrewshire Live Sport, the deal has fallen through, meaning the Socceroo is set to remain in Scotland for the time being.
The ex-Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder is also reportedly on the radar of an unnamed English Championship club.
Baccus is currently in Belfast for the Buddies’ pre-season training tour.
