Melbourne Victory has secured defender Surat Sukha for an additional year after the Thailand international extended his contract with the club until 2012.
Melbourne Victory has secured defender Surat Sukha for an additional year after the Thailand international extended his contract with the club until 2012.
Sukha, 27, who was originally signed until 2011 from Thai side Chonburi FC last year, has been rewarded following an impressive debut season for Melbourne Victory, in which he made 18 appearances and was part of the starting 11 in last month’s Grand Final against Sydney FC.
Melbourne Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said: “Surat has been a fantastic addition to Melbourne Victory and we’re thrilled to be able to sign him for an additional year.
“He’s the first player from Southeast Asia to play at the highest level in Australia and we couldn’t be more impressed with the way he’s adapted and performed since joining the club.
“He’s fitted in so well, he’s always laughing and smiling and he and his family thoroughly enjoy living in Melbourne.”
Sukha was the first player from Southeast Asia to play at national league level in Australia when he made his debut for Melbourne Victory against Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium in August last year.
After making his international debut in 2008, Sukha played a crucial role in Thailand’s AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification campaign, which ended with a 1-0 loss to Iran in Tehran last month.
