During the Central Coast Mariners’ pre-season trip to Canberra the club selected three players and one coach from the nation’s capital who have joined the Hyundai A-League outfit for a week-long trial and coaching development stint at the club’s Centre of Excellence.

Today Jordan Tsekenis and Jeremy Habtemariam who are both 19-years-old from Canberra Olympic along with 20-year-old Andrew Slavich from Tuggeranong United completed their first full session with the Mariners. Luka Ujdur from Belconnen United FC is the coach who is also plying his trade under Paul Okon on the Central Coast.

The Capital draft selections spoke to media about their time on the Central Coast and what they are looking to gain from the experience. Habtemariam and Tsekenis also spoke about the excitement of progressing through to the Westfield FFA Cup semi-final and how this experience will help their preparation. To hear their interviews, click on the image of the players below.

The Capital Draft is an agreement between Central Coast Mariners and Capital football that will see the Hyundai A-League club identify Canberra’s best footballers and invite them to trial with the Mariners on the Central Coast in the lead up to Hyundai A-League season 12.

With Canberra’s GIO Stadium set to host two Central Coast Mariners’ home games this season, the Mariners are building on their already strong relationship with the ACT’s football governing body and the collaborative talent pathway is the next big step. Coach Luka Ujdur is also experiencing a week with the Hyundai A-League club and you can hear his interview here.