Melbourne Heart FC is delighted to welcome back foundation player Aziz Behich for the 2013-14 Hyundai A-League Season.
Melbourne Heart FC is delighted to welcome back foundation player Aziz Behich for the 2013-14 Hyundai A-League Season.
In a massive boost, crowd favourite Behich returns to the Heart on a one-season loan deal from Turkish Super Lig club Bursaspor.
During his first stint with Melbourne Heart, Behich rose from injury replacement player to Socceroo, making 65 appearances for the Red and White before earning a move to Turkey.
“Aziz brings so many qualities to our club that it was a no-brainer to have him back. He is just so full of energy and passion for the Heart,” Aloisi said.
“We were proud that we could help Aziz take the massive step to Europe but equally disappointed to lose him midway through last season.”
Behich will arrive back in Melbourne this weekend and will join his team-mates for pre-season training on Monday.
The Club also confirms the signing of goalkeeper Tando Velaphi to a one-season deal.
An agile shot stopper, Aloisi believes Velaphi is the ideal back-up keeper to compliment established first-choice ‘keeper Andrew Redmayne.
“We had a number of ‘possibles- on trial and all the coaches agreed Tando is in all respects the best option,” Aloisi said.
“He is the best goalkeeper in Australia not currently with an A-League deal, an excellent professional and his chemistry with Andrew Redmayne is superb, so it is a great fit.”
Behich, 22, and Velaphi, 26, are Melbourne Heart-s fifth and sixth off-season recruits, joining Iain Ramsay, Massimo Murdocca, Harry Kewell and Robbie Wielaert.
Melbourne Heart now has 20 squad members contracted for the 2013-14 season, with three spots remaining, including two international places.
Player Details
Name: Aziz Behich [Pronunciation: AH-Ziz B-eh-HITCH]
Age: 22 (16 December 1990)
Height:170cm
Name: Tando Velaphi [Pronunciation: Vel-Aa-Fi]
Age: 26 (17 April 1987)
Height: 186cm
Melbourne Heart FC Squad (20): Andrew Redmayne (GK), Rob Wielaert, Sam Mitchinson, Patrick Gerhardt, Iain Ramsay, Massimo Murdocca, Dylan Macallister, Harry Kewell, Jonatan Germano, Golgol Mebrahtu, David Williams, Jeremy Walker, Jason Hoffman, David Vrankovic, Benjamin Garuccio, Tando Velaphi (GK), Stefan Mauk, Nick Kalmar, Mate Dugandzic, Aziz Behich
