From Refugee Camp to AFC Champions League: Sabit Ngor’s Meteoric Rise

In Just Three Months, Sabit Ngor Rises from NPL to AFC Champions League Glory

It’s a transformation few could imagine. Just three months ago, Sabit Ngor was battling for recognition in Australia’s National Premier Leagues (NPL). Now, the 23-year-old is thriving at Central Coast Mariners and making his mark in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Reflecting on his unexpected ascent, Ngor shared his journey with aleagues.com.au, revealing the persistence and resilience that carried him from near abandonment of his soccer dreams to realizing them on one of Asia’s biggest stages.

“I honestly thought my A-Leagues dream was over,” Ngor admitted. Having once been on Western United’s books, he found himself at Heidelberg, aiming to make the most of his time there. “I didn’t think it would happen,” he reflected. But everything changed when Central Coast Mariners called.

A Star Emerges in the A-Leagues

Ngor’s faith was rewarded as he not only signed with the Mariners but scored his debut A-Leagues goal against Adelaide United in Round 2. He then fueled an astonishing comeback against Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League, delivering a stellar performance that made fans and pundits take note.

With a wide grin, Ngor described the whirlwind experience. “It’s unbelievable, going from the NPL to this level,” he beamed. His breakthrough came on the back of a strong display against the Mariners in the 2024 Australia Cup, a performance that did not go unnoticed by Mariners’ coach.

“The coach said, ‘If I could, I’d sign this kid tomorrow,’” Ngor recounted. “He saw something in me. I was so grateful.”

Ngor’s stint with the Mariners wasn’t his only opportunity. Newcastle Jets were also interested, but after assisting in a Mariners’ preseason game, he had made up his mind. “Jacko offered me a contract, and I said yes. It was a dream come true.”

From Kenyan Refugee Camp to Australian Soccer Fields

Born in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, Ngor’s early life was shaped by hardship. He spent over a decade there, growing up in a tight-knit community where soccer was a rare escape. “Football was everything,” Ngor shared. “I played for hours with just a soccer ball and a lot of dreams.”

Ngor’s first exposure to international stars came in Kakuma, where he wore a Lionel Messi shirt even before knowing who Messi was. “I saw him play on YouTube later, and he inspired me. I thought, ‘I’m left-footed too.’ It felt right.”

Beyond soccer, life in Kakuma meant farming and fetching water for hours each day. “That was my gym time,” Ngor laughed, crediting these tasks for his fitness. “It was tough, but the community was protected. I didn’t realize the risks, and we just made the best of it.”

When Ngor arrived in Australia at age 12, soccer remained his anchor. Yet, due to financial challenges, he had to leave his first club, Werribee City, for another local team. Fortunately, Werribee soon welcomed him back, letting him cover fees by taking on small tasks.

The Long Road to A-Leagues

Following a successful trial with Western United, Ngor made his professional debut in the 2021 Australia Cup but didn’t receive an A-Leagues spot. Discouraged but determined, he pushed forward, eventually joining Finland’s Tampereen Ilves in 2023, where he scored five goals across 29 matches, despite cultural challenges and isolation.

“It was a tough experience, adapting to the cold and a new culture,” he admitted. “But I managed to score and assist, and I’m proud of that.”

When the opportunity with Central Coast Mariners came, Ngor was ready. Now, he’s fully committed to this new chapter in the A-League and the AFC Champions League.

A Bright Future with Central Coast

Sabit Ngor’s journey is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of dreams. After enduring years of sacrifice, he’s emerged as one of the most promising talents in the A-League, inspiring countless others from similar backgrounds. And as he proudly states, “I’m here. It hasn’t even sunk in yet. I’m just going through it, and it’s unreal.”

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