De Lima on fire at the Mariners

Arthur De Lima has been a revelation for the Central Coast Mariners in recent weeks.
The 17-year-old has provided a perfect mix of quality and decisiveness for his side, providing some crucial moments as the Mariners continue their fight against relegation.
De Lima has predominately played Under 20’s in 2024, but has started every game but one since Round 19 in the First Grade National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition, netting five goals in the process.
“I know that I have my teammates behind my back, backing every move,” said De Lima on his recent form.
“The coaching staff have really helped me build my confidence up since coming up from the 20s so I just think the team has really helped me get to the form I am right now.”
De Lima’s form has come at the perfect time for the Mariners, with his last three goals giving Central Coast two major wins to move off the bottom of the ladder.
In a recent midweek catch-up match against APIA Leichhardt FC, the Mariners took the lead twice in the first half, but the reigning Premiers fought back both times to make it 2-2 heading into the second stanza.
It was a nailbiting, tense second half, with APIA looking for a goal to keep their bid for a second successive Premiership alive, but it was De Lima who stole the show with a sharp dribble and a powerful, accurate finish, which gave Central Coast three crucial points at Lambert Park.
Three days later, De Lima’s decisiveness continued, with the 17-year-old netting a brace later to give the Mariners another invaluable win, this time over Sydney Olympic.
“It means a lot to me personally,” said De Lima on his recent goals for the Mariners.
“To see where I started the season in 20s and now finally helping my team in First Grade get wins, it definitely feels really good.
“I just hope I can keep building on it.”
In a season that began in the 20’s team, De Lima – who has played as an attacking midfielder and on both flanks for the Mariners – could now be the saviour for Central Coast’s NPL Men’s NSW First Grade squad, and is showing no signs of slowing down in the last five games of the season.
But with De Lima quickly establishing himself as one of the key members of the Mariners’ bid to avoid relegation, it would be fair to see that responsibility turn into pressure on the shoulders of the 17-year-old.
However, De Lima isn’t feeling anything of the sort – when asked about the possibility of extra pressure for the end of the season, he responded “Not really, it’s just what you have to do in football.”
“You just have to turn up and perform and that’s what I’m looking to do any week.
“I’m just trying to turn up and play my best football.”
Meanwhile, De Lima – a big prospect for the future of both the Mariners and Australia – is currently training with the A-League Men’s squad, and with his recent form and demonstration of his quality, could make his debut early in the 2024/25 season.
Speaking on his short and long-term goals, De Lima said “I want to try break that first team squad and hopefully make my debut soon.”
“One of my ambitions is to get a starting spot in that first team.
“And then I’d love to progress to overseas, and have a national callup one day to play for the Australian team.”
De Lima will next be in action for the Mariners on Sunday the 28th of July, where Central Coast take on St George City at Pluim Park.