Exciting midfielder Gianni Stensness has been rewarded for an outstanding start to the campaign by signing a contract extension with the Central Coast Mariners.
The 20-year-old is only seven games into his Hyundai A-League career in Gosford but coach Alen Stajcic has seen enough to tie him to a new two-year deal.
It means Stensness will remain with the Mariners until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2021/22 Season.
“It has been a great few months since joining the club which has encouraged me to extend,” Stensness said on the club’s official website.
“It’s special for me to extend my contract with a club that played a significant role in my development. I want to give back to the club not only for their recent support and belief in me, but also for my time in the youth ranks here.
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“I look forward to further growing as a player here and doing my part to grow the team, get results, and strive to get this club back to its former glory.
“It’s a particularly positive environment that Staj has encouraged and fostered, he believes in young players, and wants a fit, energetic playing group.”
Stensness played his youth football with the Mariners, before joining Wellington Phoenix.
But the chance for regular first-team football saw the youngster return to Gosford at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
The New Zealand youth international – who helped the Kiwis qualify for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo - has started all seven matches for the club this season.
“As a club we’re very excited to have extended Gianni, and having come on trial a few months ago to now being an integral part of our starting XI it’s clear he has a bright future here,” Stajcic said.
“The Central Coast Mariners Academy provided a launching pad for Gianni earlier in his career, and it’s great to see another young player shining on the professional stage after being given a chance here.”
Central Coast Mariners travel to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday to do battle with Sydney FC in Round 10. The match on Saturday, 14 December kicks off at 7.30pm AEDT.
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