Bleiberg's Brazilian mission
01/12/2008 6:21 PM
Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg's scouting mission to South America has appeared to pay dividends, with two Brazilian midfielders set to join the new Hyundai A-League franchise.
A representative at under 15 and under 17 level for Brazil, 22-year-old defensive midfielder Robson Alves da Silva is set to join United after catching Bleiberg's eye at a specially arranged trial match in Rio de Janeiro.
"As soon as I saw him I liked him. He has an excellent pedigree and possesses the ability to become a real midfield general in the Hyundai A-League," Bleiberg said.
"He is a well balanced player with a nice touch and I'm sure he will be a great asset to our squad."
The Gold Coast coach is also confident of luring 26-year-old attacking midfielder Jefferson Charles de Souza Pinto for the club's inaugural campaign.
"He is very attack-orientated, a good dribbler and shows good speed over the pitch. He impressed me with his dead-ball ability as well, but at the same time was strong in the tackle. He's an exciting player and fits well with the style of football we want the Gold Coast to play," Bleiberg said.
Bleiberg will now travel to Europe to continue his scouting mission before returning home to Australia in mid-December.