Photo: Moreland City
For those observing from a distance, Apai Ukuno’s decision to swap NPL Queensland powerhouse Brisbane Strikers for third-tier Moreland City may have seemed a curious one.
Having joined the Strikers midway through 2015, The South Sudanese forward’s five goals in 11 games helped the side secure a second-place finish in the league as well as a Grand Final berth – which they ultimately lost to Moreton Bay United.
So for the hot commodity to trade top-flight NPL football with a highly successful team to drop down a division in a neighbouring competition could be seen as a strange one, but the rational behind Ukuno’s move made it a no-brainer for him when the opportunity arrived.
“Players are always inspired to play in the best league, and no disrespect to the Brisbane League – it’s a very good league and there are a lot of good players, which is why all the teams in Victoria are asking for players from Queensland – but we as players want to play where there is a lot of competition at the same time,” Ukuno said.
“There are a lot of good teams here and a lot more media and all that comes with playing in Melbourne. Players who aspire to be the very best will go where it’s best needed for themselves and what they feel is the best opportunity.
“I guess that’s the reason why so many Queenslanders come down to Melbourne to play here.”
His footballing experience in Queensland also extends to spells with Eastern Suburbs and Rocklea United, for whom he played with after immigrating from Libya to Australia.
Whether the move to Victoria has raised Ukuno’s profile can be argued for, given the increased exposure and higher standard of competition that he believes the competition down South offers.
The justification is there, given Ukuno earned his maiden appearance at international level in 2016 with his native South Sudan.
He describes his experiences with the national team as chalk and cheese to club football and something that will motivate him to get the best out of his career.
“Playing international football is an unbelievable experience, it’s a different playing field,” he said.
“There are many different factors that you need to include; you need to be ready because at any time you may be called upon. The experience of being within a large squad, representing my national team is an experience that cannot be taken away from me.
“If the opportunity arises I’ll put my best foot forward, but for that to happen I need to play well for my team. All players are in the same position, you play well, get noticed and that’s how opportunities fall your way.”
With a taste for international football now in the system, the 25-year-old forward will be keen to maintain the high standard he set last campaign – which saw him net 16 times – and in turn help Moreland to further success in 2017.
The comfortable environment and playing style of City was a large decider in Ukuno extending his stay with the club, who he feels can challenge for promotion this season.
“Our group itself is a very good group, there are a lot of talented players that have a lot of quality,” he said.
“The style of play that we have at the club suits the way that I play and to stay on with the mission that we have, that’s something I wanted to be a part of. The decision itself wasn’t too difficult to make.
“Last season was a big year for our club, it’s been around for a long time. Yes, we wanted to achieve promotion but unfortunately we didn’t,” he added.
“This season, the mission itself is very clear and it’s to get promoted, go as far as we can and do it in a positive way.”
“The new players have come in fantastically. They’ve applied themselves in the best way possible, adding quality to the team and I think that’s what the manager wants and what the team needs,” he added.
“You can’t fault their efforts so far, so it’s really exciting to work with the new boys. It seems like – just from playing through the pre-season – everything is coming together really nicely, but we need to continue the work rate and efforts to make sure we get it perfectly right.”