CommBank Matildas' forward Kyah Simon has signed for the Central Coast Mariners in the Liberty A-League for the upcoming season, returning to the Mariners after her last stint with the side in the 2008/2009 inaugural season.
Simon joins the Mariners after spending the last two years with Tottenham Hotspur in the WSL and joins Emily Husband’s side for the upcoming season.
Mariners make their return to the Liberty A-League this season, after being one of eight teams to contest the inaugural A-League Women season, but exited the competition after two seasons due to financial issues.
The 111-capped Matilda has spent time with Mariners, Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City in the Liberty A-League, her most time spent in Sydney FC’s blue.
Simon said in a statement about her return to the club: “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 to ccmariners.com.au.
“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. 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.”
Head coach Emily Husband talked about Simon's signing, “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 forward could be in line for her return for the Mariners when they host Newcastle Jets in the F3 Derby on Saturday the 14th of October at 5pm AEDT, tune in for free in Australia on 10Play or via Paramount+.