Soccer: Phoenix sign Wanganui teen

Wanganui teenager James Musa. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Wellington Phoenix soccer club have signed Wanganui teenager James Musa.

Musa, who emigrated from England with his family 12 years ago, enters the Phoenix roster for the upcoming A-League season as one of the club's under-21 players.

A centreback who can also slot into other defensive positions, Musa was confident he had the ability to play professional soccer.

"I wouldn't be here, otherwise, and obviously the coaching staff has faith in me," he said in a statement today.

"My aim is to work hard and learn from the coaching staff and the players around me. I want to get experience and set myself up for the future."

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Musa was an exciting prospect for the future.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert had the opportunity to assess Musa's ability when the 18-year-old spent six weeks training with the Phoenix last season and again at a training camp ahead of the All Whites' World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain in Wellington in November.

"Jonathan Gould (Phoenix assistant coach) spotted James playing at a national age-group tournament and was impressed with his ability," Pignata said.

"On that basis we invited him to train with the club and Ricki was also very impressed with what he saw."

The 2010/11 A-League season begins on August 5 with the Phoenix entering the fray in the second round with a home match against Gold Coast United on August 13.

- NZPA