The Wellington Phoenix have signed Japanese winger Mebae Tanaka for their women’s A-League squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Tanaka (28) has played professionally in Japan and South Korea and joins the Nix from Preston Lions FC, who recently finished runners-up in Victoria’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) competition.
She scored 10 goals in 18 matches for Preston, including a hat-trick against Bentleigh Greens in July, and she impressed Phoenix head coach Paul Temple when she trialled with the squad at the start of pre-season training.
“Mebae is coming off a strong season in the Victorian NPL,” Temple said.
“She scored goals and has very good technical ability.
“Her background as a professional player in Japan and Korea also means she brings good professional experience with her into our environment.”
Tanaka will also add much-needed depth to his roster.
“We’ve got a strong squad already, so Mebae will add a lot of quality and competition for places.
“We saw last season that you can’t go a whole season with just your starting XI. You need quality in the squad, so she’ll play an important part across the whole season.
“Mebae will need a little time to adapt having not played in the A-League before but I’m excited with what she can bring to the team.”
Mebae Tanaka has jumped at the chance to join the Nix.
“I’m so happy to sign a contract with the Phoenix,” Tanaka said. “I moved to Melbourne in April for the NPL season with the aim of playing in the A-League.
“I really enjoyed my time at Preston. They had a good coach and good people and they helped me a lot, especially with my English.
“A-League players are known for their strength and speed and I want to test myself against stronger and faster players.”
She believes there’s a lot she can offer the Phoenix.
“I am a technical player and like to dribble, play short passes, deliver crosses and do a lot of running.
“To start with I just want to play and then I want to score goals and assist others.”
And Tanaka is already feeling at home in Wellington.
“I enjoyed training with the Phoenix last week and getting to know the players.
“It’s only been one week but I like this team. My teammates are very kind.”
Mebae Tanaka will wear the no. 14 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix in the 2024-25 Ninja A-League.
Players signed for next season
Phoenix women’s head coach Paul Temple has 20 players contracted for the 2024-25 A-League season.
The players signed are Annalie Longo (captain), Maya McCutcheon, Grace Jale, Olivia Fergusson, Alyssa Whinham, Carolina Vilão, Tiana Jaber, Emma Main, Mackenzie Barry, Olivia Ingham, Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale, Rebecca Lake, Aimee Danieli, Ella McMillan, Ela Jerez, Ella McCann, Lara Wall and Mebae Tanaka.
However, Ella McCann has suffered a season-ending injury, tearing her ACL at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
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This story was first published on October 3, 2024.
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