Kenny Athiu


Kenjok "Kenny" Athiu is a South Sudanese-Australian footballer who plays as a forward professionally for Melbourne Victory in the A-League and the South Sudan national football team.

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.

International career

Athiu is eligible to represent his nation of birth of South Sudan or his country of residence in Australia, Athiu was called upon to be part of South Sudan's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification. Athiu made his international debut for his country of birth 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 and then to Australia.
He initially settled in Keysborough, before moving to Noble Park and then Narre Warren.
Athiu has seven siblings, and currently lives in Collingwood with Melbourne Victory teammate Thomas Deng, with both their families having known each other since they were children.

Career statistics

Footnotes

Honours

Club

;Heidelberg United
;Melbourne Victory