Brisbane Roar’s Liberty A-League squad for the 2022/23 season has been boosted by the signing of exciting youngster Kijah Stephenson.
The 20-year-old Bundaberg native joins the Roar on the back of an accomplished run of form in the local competitions.
Ahead of commencing her first pre-season with the Roar, Stephenson spoke of her excitement of joining up with the club.
“I’ve been in and out of the program over the past couple of years and I’ve had a couple of setbacks but I’m really happy I can finally commit to it and I’m really excited to get started!”
Stephenson’s exceptional career in South East Queensland began with the Sunshine Coast Fire in 2017, where her form in the U15’s competition caught the eye of Roar Head Coach Garrath McPherson who was in charge of the QAS at the time.
It was there Stephenson burst onto the NPL stage under McPherson’s guidance, credited with 32 senior appearances over the course of the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
So impressive was her form in 2020 that Stephenson earned selection in the NPL Team of the Season and a nomination for the Young Player of the Year award.
That caught the attention of Brisbane City where Stephenson has spent the last two seasons, becoming a regular for the club and earning Player of the Match honours on several occasions.
Stephenson credits her time at the QAS and Brisbane City with her development as a player over the last four years and is looking forward to putting that experience to good use in the upcoming Liberty A-League campaign.
“That experience allows me to have fun when I play and express myself within the team’s system,” she said.
“I’ve been able to develop my football having moved from Bundaberg as well as develop as a person, I’m looking forward to bringing what I’ve done in the NPL and FQPL to the A-League.”
She is also very excited about the prospect of reuniting with her former mentor in McPherson in the Roar system.
“I love Garrath! He’s awesome, when I moved to Brisbane, he was there to offer support through everything. I have to thank him for continuing to stick by me and give me opportunities like this!” Stephenson said.
It is a case of mutual enthusiasm with the Roar boss looking forward to what Stephenson can bring to his team.
“Kijah is one of the most creative attackers our NTC program has produced in recent years,” he said.
“She possesses an x-factor when on the ball that I am excited to unleash this coming season. I am extremely happy to see her doing so well and excited for our fans to see what we see on the training pitch.
“Her ability to create and convert goals is sometimes hard to believe! She has been around the team for the past two years and we believe is ready to launch into her maiden A-League season.”
CONFIRMED ROAR 2022/23 LIBERTY A-LEAGUE SQUAD
Eash Norrie (Lions FC)
Hollie Palmer (Capalaba FC)
Shea Connors (APIA Leichhardt)
Larissa Crummer (Capalaba FC)
Sharn Freier (Moreton Bay United)
Mariel Hecher (Lions FC)
Holly McQueen (Future Matildas Program)
Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GK)
Georgia Beaumont (Moreton Bay United)
Talitha Kramer (Capalaba FC)
Isabella Shuttleworth (Moreton Bay United)
Jamilla Rankin (Blacktown Spartans)
Annie Haffenden (Free Agent)
Kijah Stephenson (Brisbane City)
