With the addition of Brazilian Mikael Doka to a two-year contract and the return of Noah Smith, the Central Coast Mariners have strengthened their full-back roster ahead of the 2019 campaign.
Smith rejoins the team after leaving for Melbourne Victory during the previous off-season. He moved to Brisbane Roar in February and made 13 appearances in all competitions between the two teams.
The 22-year-old, who originally signed with Gosford as Adelaide United’s second-ever signing in 2021, went on to make 11 appearances and score two goals across all competitions.
Returning to a place where I feel like I played my greatest football makes me very happy. We witnessed it all last season, so I know what this club is capable of. It’s wonderful to be back because I personally need to be with Monty and Serge,” Smith remarked.
I can’t wait to play at Industree Group Stadium, help the team win some more games, and ideally accomplish what the boys did the previous campaign.
Montgomery expressed his happiness at having Smith return to the club after he had regretfully let him go a year prior.
“It was not my intention to lose Noah a year and a half ago. Sadly, we were unable to extend his contract before Victory exercised their right to sign him,” Montgomery stated.
He is eager to restart his career and, from what I’ve heard, he is aware of our culture and expectations. I’m confident he’ll put in a lot of effort to achieve that.
Doka, meanwhile, joins Gosford from Santos, a Brazilian powerhouse, where he has played since he was ten years old.
The 23-year-old wing-back is well-known for his quickness, adaptability, and skill with the dead ball. He can also push up onto the wing.
He was loaned out to lower-tier Brazilian teams FC Cascavel and Sao Joseense in the last two seasons, respectively, after earning his first professional deal for Santos. During the latter campaign, he scored five goals in 21 appearances.
