Highly rated former Dutch International Victor Sikora will arrive in Perth this Saturday and could line-up for the Glory on Boxing Day when they tackle Adelaide at Members Equity Stadium.
Highly rated former Dutch International Victor Sikora will arrive in Perth this Saturday and could line-up for the Glory on Boxing Day when they tackle Adelaide at Members Equity Stadium.
A long term injury to Glory-s Brazilian playmaker Amaral has opened the door for Sikora to play in Perth and Coach Dave Mitchell will assess the lively attacker/midfielder with a view to next season while his immediate contribution will also be pivotal in the club-s finals aspirations.
“We have been proactive in our efforts to find quality players and there was an opportunity to bring Victor over and we-re delighted that it has worked out for everyone involved,” Mitchell said.
“It is disappointing that Amaral is sidelined but we haven-t just sat on our hands, Victor is someone who will definitely bring something to our squad,” added Mitchell.
Sikora has a wonderful pedigree as a player having represented Holland six times and played with European power club Ajax Amsterdam as well as fellow Dutch top flight sides Heerenveen and NAC Breda. His time with Ajax included their 2002/03 and 2003/04 UEFA Champions League campaigns while he has also played in the UEFA Cup.
Mitchell saw the classy 30 year old in action during a scouting mission to Europe prior to the 2008/09 Hyundai A-League season and was keen to bring the Dutchman to Perth. The pair remained in contact and after recently completing a stint with Major League Soccer club FC Dallas, Sikora jumped at the chance to come to Australia.
“It has proved to be an ideal solution, being able to bring him in for a short space of time with the view to next season. I-m sure he-ll be able to add an extra spark to what has been some excellent football by the lads in recent weeks,” said Mitchell.
“We-ve worked hard behind the scenes to make this happen and I-m delighted that he is able to get here so quickly.
“Victor is eager to get straight into action and with a home game on Boxing Day and a big crowd expected at Members Equity Stadium it could be a great opportunity to expose him to the A-League and the Perth Glory fans,” Mitchell said.
The Glory beat a number of European clubs interested in securing Sikora-s services and will have five matches to see if the mix is right for both player and club before making a longer term commitment.
“He is a very versatile player and can fill a few holes if needs be. He-s played as a striker, in midfield and also out wide.
“Victor brings experience from the highest levels in Europe and I know Glory supporters will be very happy watching him play, he-s an exciting player,” said Mitchell.
Profile
Name: Victor Sikora
Nationality: Dutch
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Date of birth: 11 April 1978 (age 30)
Height: 173cm
Weight: 65kg
National team: 6 matches
Previous clubs: 1994-1999: Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands); 1999-2002 Vitesse Arnhem (Netherlands); 2002-2004 Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands); 2004/05 Heerenveen (Netherlands); 2005-2008 NAC Breda (Netherlands); 2008 FC Dallas (USA)
