Macarthur FC has bolstered its defensive stocks for the upcoming season with the signing of experienced Barbadian international, Mario Williams.
Equally adept as playing as central defender or as a defensive midfielder, Williams joins the Bulls from his homeland after signing a one-year deal for the 2022/23 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s season.
The 30-year-old has been a stalwart for his national team since making his debut in 2015, having played 35 senior internationals for the Bajan Tridents. Williams spent the past three years playing his international football under the guidance of the Bulls’ assistant coach, Russel Latapy, with whom he’ll be reunited with in South West Sydney.
“It’s a big step for me and for Barbados football to get a player in the highest league of Australia,” Williams said. “I am proud to be back with my old coach Russell Latapy and to play under head coach Dwight Yorke as well.
“I am hoping to continue Macarthur’s strong start to the season once I start playing.”
Williams arrives at the Bulls with the recommendation of Latapy, who gained a strong insight into his abilities while coaching Barbados from 2019 until 2022.
“Mario comes about because of my assistant Russell who worked with him, he knows him extremely well. He’s worked with the players here for the past two months and he feels adding Mario to the squad will give us more bite, either as a centre-back or possibly as a six,” Macarthur head coach Dwight Yorke said.
“We are delighted to have him because what we are trying to create here at Macarthur is a competitive squad where people are fighting for their places.”
Williams previously played for Barbadian clubs; Weymouth Wales, Paradise FC and Defence Force Soccer Club, as well as Antiguan side Parham FC. He joins an undefeated Bulls side under the tenure of Yorke that has reached the Australia Cup grand final.
Macarthur FC will face Sydney United 58 in the Australia Cup decider on October 1.
