Melbourne Heart FC has today announced that both defender Jason Hoffman and goalkeeper Tando Velaphi have signed contract extensions with the Club.
Melbourne Heart FC has today announced that both defender Jason Hoffman and goalkeeper Tando Velaphi have signed contract extensions with the Club.
Hoffman, an inaugural Melbourne Heart FC player, has been recognised for an impressive 2013-14 campaign in which he has successfully converted his role from that of a midfielder to a consistent defensive presence.
The 25-year-old right-back will enter his fifth season with Heart after signing a two-year deal which will see him remain at the Club until the end of the 2015-16 Hyundai A-League season.
He has made 63 appearances since being signed in 2010, including 19 starts during the Hyundai A-League 2013-14 season.
Speaking of the extension, Hoffman said, “I-m delighted to continue my career at the Club that I have been part of from day one. I have a genuine passion for Heart, having spent four great years here already.
“From a personal perspective I am delighted with my progress and am looking forward to developing further as an individual and as a team in what promises to be an exciting new season ahead.
“Right now though, my sights are firmly focussed on the remainder of this campaign and on my ambition to help the team achieve positive results in our final three matches.”
Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi has signed on for an additional season, joining as goalkeeping cover for first-choice ‘keeper Andrew Redmayne.
“To be part of this Club next season is exciting; the players and staff have been very supportive and I-m eager to continue my career here at Heart,” Velaphi said.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van-t Schip said both players would be great assets next season.
“Jason has been one of our standout players and consistent performers this season and has demonstrated his versatility in converting from a midfielder to a right-back,” van-t Schip said.
“Jason has been with us since day one and he has been an important part of our team, while Tando is an excellent goalkeeper, a true professional and the type of person we want at our Club.
“Tando has been fantastic in training and he has great chemistry with Andrew, with both goalkeepers helping to develop each other.”
Hoffman and Velaphi join David Williams, who signed a two-year deal with the Club last week, as the latest Melbourne Heart FC players to re-sign for next season.
Player Details
Jason Hoffman
Pronunciation: JAY-suhn HOFF-men
DOB: 28 January 1989 (age 25)
:Place of birth: Newcastle, Australia
Position: Utility (Defender/midfielder)
Appearances (Melbourne Heart FC): 63
Contract details: Two-year contract (until end Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season)
Tando Velaphi
Pronunciation: TAN-Doe VEL-Aa-Fee
DOB: 17 April 1987(age 26)
Place of birth: Perth, Australia
Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances (Melbourne Heart FC): 0
Contract details: One-year contract (until end of Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season)
