Socceroos star Nikita Rukavytsya will add proven firepower to Western United’s attack in the A-League Men’s competition after signing a one-year deal with the club.
Rukavytsya has collected 23 Socceroos caps spanning three different decades from his debut in 2009 to his latest appearance in 2021, testament to his consistency and continued quality. Two of his caps came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa with substitute appearances against Germany and Ghana.
The pacey attacker was also a constant through various youth teams at international level and played in all three matches for the Olyroos at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Rukavytsya played with Maccabi Haifa last season and the side reached the UEFA Champions League group stage last season.
Rukavytsya has shone for Maccabi Haifa in Israel’s Ligat ha’Al for the best part of the last seven years, winning two golden boots and two league titles while also winning the Israel State Cup with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, where he spent one season in between two spells at Maccabi.
After putting pen to paper to join the green and black, Rukavytsya said he was looking forward to returning to Australia and helping the side challenge at the top of the league.
“I’m excited for this season,” he said. “It’s a relatively fresh club but it already tasted success a few years ago and I’m looking forward to having a successful season.
“My main goal this season is to give my experience, quality and my 100 per cent to the club. From what I’ve heard, there are great people and everyone who’s involved with the club, and the fans.
“So hopefully we can have a successful season and make everyone and the fans happy.”
Western United coach John Aloisi said Rukavytsya’s introduction to the side would add significant quality on the pitch and invaluable leadership off it.
