Kenny Athiu

Kenjok Athiu (born 5 August 1992) is a South Sudanese professional soccer player who plays as a forward for VPL 1 club Brunswick Juventus.

Club career Youth Athiu joined South Springvale SC in 2006 at 14 years of age, and became a member of the first team three years later. In 2012, Athiu signed a short term deal with rivals Springvale White Eagles, with the success from the Springvale based clubs later earning him a deal with the more prominent Victorian State League side Box Hill United in the same year. Following more success, in 2014 Athiu signed for Heidelberg United in the NPL Victoria.

Melbourne Victory After initially being linked with a move to Perth Glory, Athiu signed his first professional contract with Melbourne Victory in October 2017 on a season-long loan from Heidelberg United. Victory coach Kevin Muscat initially stated that it would be some time before Athiu would make the first team due to injury and fitness concerns. Nevertheless, Athiu made his debut for the club as a substitute in a draw with Western Sydney Wanderers on 6 November after a number of Melbourne's attacking players were unavailable for the game. On 18 June 2018, Athiu signed a new two-year contract with Melbourne Victory. On 28 August 2020, Melbourne Victory announced that Athiu would not be receiving a new contract.

International career Athiu was eligible to represent his nation of birth of South Sudan or his country of residence in Australia prior to making his competitive debut for South Sudan against Equatorial Guinea on 4 September 2019 in the first leg of the first round for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Athiu was substituted on David Majak Chan at the 54th minute and assisted in the equalizing goal of the eventual 1–1 draw.

Personal life Athiu was born in Sudan but left with his family as a refugee in the Second Sudanese Civil War, first to Kenya (aged four) and then to Australia (aged eleven). He initially settled in Keysborough, before moving to Noble Park and then Narre Warren.

Athiu has seven siblings, and is good friends with former teammate Thomas Deng, with both their families having known each other since they were children.

Career statistics

Footnotes

A. Includes appearances in the FFA Cup. B. Includes appearances in the AFC Champions League. C. Includes appearances in the A-League finals.

Honours Club Heidelberg United National Premier Leagues: 2017 National Premier Leagues Victoria Premiership: 2017 Dockerty Cup: 2017 Melbourne Victory A-League Championship: 2017–18

Individual National Premier Leagues Victoria Golden Boot: 2017