South Melbourne WFC striker Ellvana Curo has completed a shock transfer to title rivals Box Hill United overnight, joining the defending champions barely four weeks into the season.
The Albanian international was apparently unhappy at a lack of game time at Lakeside Stadium, as a stellar cast of talented players kept her on the bench since returning from international duty three weeks ago.
This is Curo’s sixth WPL club of her career, following stints at Preston, Heidelberg, Ashburton, Altona and now South Melbourne.
South Melbourne coach Bill Mihaloudis was tight-lipped about the move, preferring not to comment, but former teammate Sarah Sumner was sorry to see her leave.
“Obviously it’s sad to see my best mate leave the club, she’s a very good player and it’s a good pick up for Box Hill,” she said.
“They’re an established side and I’m sure she’ll fit in well.
“But we have to stay focused with big games coming up and I’m sure our cup game [against Box Hill] will be one not to miss.”
Box Hill assistant coach Paul Kilpatrick seemed confident that the new addition would fit in well at Wembley Park, saying that Curo would bring depth and more goals to the team.
“She trained with us for the first time last night, made the decision after training and that was it,” he said.
“She will have some senior time this Friday [against Sandringham], but she will probably start in the reserves.”