13,322 kilometres.
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That’s the distance Murray United’s second “visa” player travelled just to reach the Border — let alone play a soccer match.
Daniel Cisneros, a product of the rich soccer academy at Toluca FC, in Mexico, apologises about his English.
But it was always going to be a long way better than my Spanish.
“The goal is to play A-League but, to do that, I need to be able to show clubs what I can do,” he said.
“Murray United have been good enough to give me that opportunity.
“We have been together for just a few weeks and I’m playing with different players trying to learn the structure.
“My fitness is a little down but I’m working hard and trying to make an impression with my skills so I will be picked in the first team.
“Here in Australia, the game is a lot more physical, whereas in Mexico it is probably quicker — so it’s a different fitness as well.”
Cisneros, 20, joins Englishman James Coutts as Murray United’s second import.
He said soccer had always been part of his life.
He has had a soccer ball at his feet from his earliest childhood and started playing when he was just five.
“I always liked the ball at my feet, still do,” he said.
“My technical ability and vision are probably my strongest abilities.
“I’ve been playing professionally in Mexico for two years and I trialled with a couple of other NPL clubs but, as an attacking central midfielder, there were others who had been in that role for some time. It was difficult to come in and do my best straight away.
“But since I have come here, the boys have made me feel I’m part of a team — a team that looks pretty good.”
Coach Mick Richards said Cisneros would most likely come off the bench against Box Hill.
“He is healthy and looks good on the ball but he has only just arrived in Australia and has been with us for only 10 days,” he said.
“I wouldn’t expect him to start. Realistically, he’s only got 20 or 30 minutes in him at NPL level.”
— BRAD WORRALL
