Dutch star Roly Bonevacia has agreed a new Wellington Phoenix contract and claims he won’t consider leaving until he’s won the Hyundai A-League.
The Ajax academy graduate proved to be one of the finds of the season during his first campaign in the competition, helping Ernie Merrick’s team to move top the table in March.
The Nix ultimately fell short during the final rounds, losing at home to Melbourne City FC in the elimination finals.
Five depart Wellington Phoenix
But securing the services of 23-year-old Bonevacia until the end of 2016-17 could prove to be a key aspect of a renewed assault on silverware next term.
“I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived at the Phoenix and I like to think I am a loyal person,” the midfielder said in a statement.
“Also I think we are building something special at the club; something that hasn’t been done before at the Phoenix.
“We had a fantastic season and while it was disappointing to slip up over the last few games I believe we will learn a lot from that and come back next season stronger.
“Being so close whetted my appetite and I really want to win the league. If we do that I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable about going closer to home, but for now I am staying to help bring the championship to Wellington.”
Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick hailed the renewed deal as a significant coup for Wellington.
“Roly has been something of a revelation in his first season with us,” he said.
“For a player of his pedigree to commit himself for another two seasons is a feather in the club’s cap.
“Roly came to us as a defensive midfielder, but he became more attacking as the season progressed and I believe he will become a key attacking player and goal scorer next season.”
