Two former SASI players Awer Mabil and Jordan Elsey have secured senior contracts with Adelaide United after impressing with the National Youth League side.

The two-year contracts take affect as of May 1, 2013 and the pair joins three other SASI talents in Paul Izzo, Teeboy Kamara and Jacob Melling.

Elsey, who spent time under the tutelage of Tony Vidmar at SASI, and Mabil have been outstanding in the NYL this campaign.

Mabil has scored eight goals so far in the NYL this season, including a hat-trick against the Newcastle Jets, while Elsey was named United Youth’s most valuable player last season and currently wears the captain’s armband this season.

“It feels great to finally be a part of Adelaide United,” Elsey said.

“I’ve been training with them for a long time now, it feels good to be official and now I can get down to improving and working hard.”

“I’ve been in Adelaide all my life and been watching Adelaide United since I was 12, so it’s perfect.”

Competing in his third NYL season, Elsey has become an outstanding defender, showing great potential and a maturity that he has what it takes to make it at Hyundai A-League level.

Born in Kenya, Mabil came out to Australia with his mother, older brother and younger sister at the age of 10, his father having passed away before he could remember.

With football in his blood, it did not take long for Mabil to be noticed as he played with SASI and most recently for Campbelltown City in the FFSA Super League last year.

Mabil and Elsey have both been regular train on players with the Reds’ senior squad this season.

“It’s hard to believe…I couldn’t believe it and now I’m here so the hard work starts now. I just have to keep working hard and one day I’ll get there,” Mabil said.

 

Awer MABIL

DOB:      15 September 1995 (Kakuma, Kenya)
Age:       17
Pos:       Winger/Attacking Midfielder
Height:179cm
Weight:                65kg

Club History:
Campbelltown, SASI, Playford, St Augustines, Salisbury East

Additional Information
Currently has 8 goals in the National Youth League 2012/13 Season. Scored a hat-trick for Adelaide United’s Youth Team against Newcastle Jets Youth. Moved to Australia in June 2006

 

Jordan ELSEY

DOB:      2 March 1994 (Adelaide)
Age:     18
Pos:       Defender
Height: 187cm
Weight:                80kg

Club History:
2011/12 Adelaide United Youth Team, 2011 Para Hills (SA), 2009-2011 Adelaide United Youth Team, 2008 SASI

Additional Information:
Current Adelaide United Youth captain. Adelaide United Youth Team Most Valuable Player 2011/12. Spent time at SASI under the guidance of former Socceroos defender Tony Vidmar.