The Central Coast Mariners have announced that Brazilian sensation Mikael Doka is set to depart the club, securing a loan move to J2 League outfit Ventforet Kofu.
Doka, who inked a new three-year contract in 2024 and has two years remaining, will now dedicate the remainder of the 2025 J2 League season to Kofu.
Having joined the Mariners in 2023, Doka emerged as a standout performer on the Central Coast, playing a pivotal role in Mark Jackson’s squad during their treble-winning season of 2023-24.
Utilised in various roles, from right-back to left-back and even as an attacking midfielder, the 25-year-old quickly earned adoration from fans in Gosford and was instrumental in the Mariners clinching both the Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership and Championship.
The product of the Santos academy was honoured as the Player of the Tournament in the AFC Cup, helping the Mariners secure a 1-0 victory over Al Ahed in the Final, a triumph that complemented their historic treble and solidified their place in Australian football lore.
Despite a challenging campaign in the Isuzu UTE A-League, where the Mariners finished in 10th place, Doka was awarded the Mariners Medal at the club’s end-of-season awards night.
As Doka embarks on his journey to Japan, he becomes the seventh player to depart the club this off-season, with head coach Jackson gearing up to rebuild the squad for the upcoming season.
Doka’s exit comes on the heels of fan favourite Brian Kaltak’s departure to Perth Glory, while striker Alou Kuol has signed with former Mariners manager Alen Stajcic at the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Additionally, 2024-25 squad members Noah Smith, Will Wilson, Sasha Kuzevski, and Jack Warshawsky have also left the club in search of increased playing time elsewhere.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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