The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed the signing of former English Premier League defender Kalifa Cissé.
In a major signing for new coach Mike Mulvey, the Mali international has put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal in Gosford.
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The versatile Cissé, who can be deployed as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, adds a wealth of experience to Mulvey’s defensive stocks.
The 34-year-old has played for the likes of Boavista F.C. (Portugal), Reading (UK), Bristol City (UK), New England Revolution (USA), Derby County (UK) and most recently BEC Tero Sasana (Thailand) in a well-travelled career.
“For me this is a really exciting challenge,” Cissé said.
“I have spoken with some players who have played in the A-League and said really positive things and I have also worked with Andrew Young [Mariners Elite Performance Coach], Mike Mulvey as well as playing against Nick Montgomery in England.
“When the opportunity came up for me to join the Central Coast Mariners it was an easy decision – the club is very ambitious and I can’t wait to get started.
“We have a really young team here at the moment, so I bring experience into the team. I really want to help the young players to grow – that’s one of my highest priorities.
“We want to be disciplined, we want to be well organised in defence and we want to show a strong fighting spirit and I want to play a big part in that.”
Cisse started as a junior within the academy ranks of French club Toulouse before a move to Portugal saw him ultimately join Boavista.
Two impressive seasons in the top tier of Portuguese football resulted in a lucrative move to the English Premier League where he made a name for himself with Reading.
Not a known goal scorer, Cissé found the back of the net for Reading in a memorable 6-4 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
Although he became a fan favourite after a crucial goal he scored in the Championship against Wolves as well as firing home the club’s goal of the season in 2008 against Bristol City, the club he would eventually transfer to.
Cisse worked under Mulvey at his most recent club, BEC Tero Sasana in the Thai League 1 and the Mariners boss praised the ‘win at all costs’ mentality and leadership qualities that he’ll bring to the club.
“Kalifa is experienced, he’s not only played in the English Premier League but he also comes with worldly experience having played in France, Thailand and the UK to name a few,” Mulvey said.
“One of the big strengths he brings to the team is leadership.
“We know he will be a solid voice at the back, he will nurture the younger players – so he is a very good acquisition for the team and we’re really excited to get him in with the team.
“When I was working in Thailand he came from two very successful clubs in Bangkok United and Bangkok Glass where he won trophies. When he came into BEC Tero Sasana where I was working, the thing about Kalifa was, he’s a gentleman off the pitch, but when he’s on the pitch he knows how to be a real footballer.
“I’ve seen first-hand how competitive Kalifa is – he hates to lose even at training. We want a bit of mongrel in the team, players who need to be winners and hopefully we can all learn from that,” Mulvey said.
Your first chance to meet Kalifa Cissé is TONIGHT alongside Jonathan Aspropotamitis and Jake McGing at Westfield Tuggerah. The guys will be in centre court from 6:30pm.
Come and meet the Mariners at @WestfieldAU Tuggerah this Thursday night!
You can have a kick, play some FIFA and even renew your membership!
Info ℹ️ https://t.co/zoxnZdgY01 pic.twitter.com/yQj0rDUzfk
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) June 25, 2018
Central Coast Mariners Squad
Goalkeepers:Joe GAUCI, Ben KENNEDY, Adam PEARCE
Defenders: Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS, Kalifa CISSÉ, Jack CLISBY, Antony GOLEC, Jake McGING, Kye ROWLES
Midfielders: Adam BERRY, Danny De SILVA, Tom HIARIEJ, Michael McGLINCHEY, Jacob MELLING, Mario SHABOW
Attackers: Corey GAMEIRO, Andrew HOOLE, Connor PAIN, Matt SIMON
