Auckland FC has announced the first five players for the upcoming OFC Pro League.
The Pro League consists of eight teams across seven oceanic nations, competing against each over five rounds before concluding in knockout finals.
The players are; Emiliano Tade, Kian Donkers, Bailey Ferguson, Zac Zoricich and Tass Mourdoukoutas.
Luke Casserly, Auckland’s OFC Pro League Head Coach, is thrilled to get underway with the club’s new signings.
“It’s exciting to be getting started with preparation for the new league. The experience these players bring will help us massively in our first few games,” says Casserly.
“We’re not only here to compete, but we’re also here to win, and I know that the players we’ve signed feel the exact same way. We’re ensuring that our ‘always advance, never retreat’ motto is ingrained in the team right from the start.”
The league is set to commence on January 17th, with the first round of the competition being held at Auckland’s Eden Park.
These five players bring a plethora of footballing experience to the side at both club and international levels, enabling the new Auckland side to hit the ground running when the competition launches.
Emiliano Tade
Position: Striker
Age: 37
Nationality: Argentina
Emi Tade joins the club from Auckland United of New Zealand’s National League. Emi first played in New Zealand in 2010, when he made his debut for Team Wellington. Last season at Auckland United, Tade made 19 appearances scoring 14 goals. As well as playing, Emi will be supporting the team as assistant coach.
Kian Donkers
Position: Striker
Age: 21
Nationality: New Zealand
Kian Donkers signs from Birkenhead United of New Zealand’s National League, most
recently scoring five goals across eight games. Donkers has represented New Zealand
on the international stage at U20 level, scoring nine goals across 11 appearances and participating in the U20 world cup in 2023.
Bailey Ferguson
Position: Winger
Age: 18
Nationality: Australian
Bailey Ferguson previously played for Eastern Suburbs in Queensland’s National Premier League. This year, Ferguson was named Football Queensland NPL Young Player of the Year. He’s an exciting young talent, scoring seven goals and bagging four assists across his 22 appearances last season.
Zac Zoricich
Position: Right back
Age: 23
Nationality: New Zealand
Zac Zoricich is signing from Sydney Olympic of the NSW National Premier League. He’s represented New Zealand at international level, playing five matches for the U23 side. Zorichich made 25 appearances for Central Coast Mariners’ reserve team and also made his A-League debut with the first team.
Tass Mourdoukoutas
Position: Centre back
Age: 26
Nationality: Australia
Tass Mourdoukoutas is an experienced central defender, who made his A-League debut for Western Sydney Wanderers in 2018. He was with the side until 2022, making 40 topflight appearances. Mourdoukoutas went on to play in the Canadian Premier League for three years, before returning to the A-League with Perth Glory. He’s represented Australia at U19 & U23 levels, making 13 total appearances.
Auckland will play their inaugural OFC Pro League game against South Island United on the 17th of January, followed by Vanuatu United and Bula FC on the 20th and 23rd of January, respectively.
