Daniel De Silva is the second youngest player on debut in the A-League – he was just 15 when he played his first game.
His football journey saw him at Perth Glory, Dutch outfit Roda JC, Central Coast Mariners and now – at the ripe old age of 24 – Campbelltown.
Regarded as one of Australia’s best young attackers, the skilful midfielder has just signed a two year deal with Macarthur FC.
In the season just completed, De Silva slotted four goals and three assists from 21 appearances for the Mariners.
An Australian Youth International, De Silva has represented his country on 33 occasions in the U17s, U20s and the U23s squads and was included in the initial 43-man Socceroo squad for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup under Ange Postecoglou.
The Bulls say they are delighted to welcome Daniel De Silva to the club.
De Silva’s signature is a sign of Ante Milicic’s desire to build on the strong foundations laid in the club’s inaugural season – a season that saw Macarthur FC just one game away from a maiden grand final appearance.
“Both Ivan Jolic (assistant coach) and I have worked with Daniel previously, and we know the type of professional he is and what he will bring to our football club,” says Milicic.
“He is a player with plenty of ambition who will bring us good mobility in the attacking third.
“Now at a good age, Daniel is starting to fulfill his potential, and in our environment, we believe he can take it to the next level.”
De Silva said he was excited to join the Bulls.
“I was really attracted to the exciting brand of football the team plays. Ante’s style was really appealing for me, and I’m excited for the season.
“Coming into the team, I’m hoping to add further polish to the final product in the front third.”
In relation to the club’s signature “cowbells”, De Silva said he was glad to now be on the home side.
“It was quite daunting as an away player coming to Campbelltown with so many cowbells ringing, so it’ll be nice to be on the other side of that.
“Hopefully, I can provide the members and fans with plenty of moments to ring the bells this season. The more support we get, the louder the stadium is, the more daunting it will become for travelling teams.”
