Welcome back to the coast, Kyah!
Matildas forward Kyah Simon is joining the Central Coast Mariners Women’s Liberty A-League for the 2023/24 season.
Simon joins the Mariners from Tottenham Hotspur FC, having spent two seasons with the English side.
The Matildas legend boasts serious international experience, with 111 games and 29 goals for the Australian team.
Simon was named as part of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Matildas’ squad, with coach Tony Gustavsson naming her as a “game-changing” substitute.
She is no stranger to the Central Coast, having made her senior career debut with the Mariners in 2008/09 season, scoring five goals in nine appearances for the Mariners before moving onto other A-League Women’s and international opportunities.
Simon said returning to the Central Coast is a full circle moment in her career.
“I’m really pleased to have signed for Central Coast and to be back here in Australia playing in the A-League. Mariners being my first A-League club in the inaugural season, they’ve always held a special place in my heart and it’s a real full circle moment for me,” Simon said in a statement.
Simon said she cannot wait to get out on the field with the women’s side after a difficult few months.
“The closer I came to this decision, the more it felt right for a number of reasons, coming off a really difficult 10 or so months it was a priority of mine to be somewhere I felt supported and to be in an environment surrounded by the best medical care and resources,” Simon said.
“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the girls and hopefully can help the team in any way I can in making this season a special and memorable one.”
Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband is thrilled to have the striker on board, seeing Simon as an incredible addition to the team.
“The versatility and quality Kyah possesses as a forward, who has experience in some of the best leagues in women’s football, is an exciting signing for us,” Husband said.
“Her international career speaks for itself as she has scored in both the Olympic Games and World Cups. To bring that experience and proven ability to score in big moments to the Central Coast is excellent. Kyah has a fantastic character, and she will make an immediate impact on the group.”
The Central Coast Mariners Women’s team inaugural season in the Liberty A-League commences against the Newcastle Jets at Industree Group Stadium on Saturday October 14, 2023.
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Images: Central Coast Mariners / Supplied
By Bek Lougher
