Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce that young goalkeeper, Sebastian Mattei has been promoted from the clubs National Youth League (NYL) squad to a contracted Hyundai A-League player.
Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce that young goalkeeper, Sebastian Mattei has been promoted from the clubs National Youth League (NYL) squad to a contracted Hyundai A-League player.
The 19 year-old follows in the footsteps of the recently departed Mitchell Langerak, who also progressed through the Melbourne Victory NYL system, having signed a one-year deal.
Mattei has been a regular in goal for Victorian Premier League club, Melbourne Knights this season and now gets his chance as Michael Petkovic-s understudy in the professional ranks, after Glen Moss was transferred to Gold Coast United last week.
The young shot-stopper was understandably thrilled by the news, “it-s amazing, I-ve always dreamt of being a professional footballer and now I can say that I am – although it hasn-t really sunk in yet. But I-m sure it will when we run out against Sydney FC next weekend.”
“Having seen first-hand how hard Mitch Langerak worked last season and just how much he achieved, I-m really looking forward to taking this opportunity with both hands”, he added.
Mattei has been a regular around the club over the past couple of seasons and under the tutelage of Melbourne Victory-s goalkeeping coach, Steve Mautone, he-s developed from a promising youngster into a more than capable back-up for Petkovic.
Mautone saying “Seb is a very talented young ‘keeper and I-m sure, if given the chance, he will acquit himself well over the course of the season”.
“He-s got an amazing work-ethic and his willingness to listen and learn has been tremendous. There aren-t many 19 year-olds with the same level of professionalism and dedication out there, so I-m looking forward to watching him develop into a great ‘keeper”.
Mattei was presented with his shirt this week and will assume the clubs number 20.
